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Simms* History of South Carolina 

Revised by Mrs. Mary C. Simms Oliphant 
SOUTH CAROLINA EDITION 1917 

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Exchange Price for Books Used in South Carolina During 
the Five Years Prior to July 1, 1917 

White's, The Making of South Carolina 45c 
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'5, 1918 



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COPmiGHT DEPOSm 



THE HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA 



THE HISTORY 

OF 

SOUTH CAROLINA 

BY 

WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMS 

REVISED BY 

MARY C SIMMS OLIPHANT 

(WITH SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTERS) 

MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS 

ADAPTED FOR USE IN THE SCHOOLS 



£0^ 



COLUMBIA. S. C. 

THE STATE COMPANY. PRINTERS 

1917 



/?/7 



COPYRIGHT. 1917 

BY 

MARY C. SIMMS OLIPHANT 



/ 

AUG 25 I9!7 



J'' 



ICI.A473208 



TO MY FATHER 

1843-1912 






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PREFACE 

William Gilmore Simms, the editor's grandfather, wrote 
in 1840 for his children and for use in the schools ''The 
History of South Carolina from Its First European Discov- 
ery to Its Erection into a Republic." In 1860 the third 
edition of the history was published in which Simms brought 
the narrative down to that date. The editor offers in the 
present volume a revised and enlarged edition of the third 
edition of the work, intended primarily for use as a text- 
book in the schools of South Carolina. 

Since William Gilmore Simms gave his history of the 
State to the public, the researches of historians have brought 
to light many new facts about South Carolina's stirring past. 
In consequence, the editor has been obliged to make numer- 
ous changes in many places in the original text to bring it 
into accord with views accepted comparatively recently but 
of unquestioned soundness. Other changes have seemed 
desirable and have been made in the interests of clarity 
of style and simplicity of diction. The editor trusts that 
these deviations from the text have not marred its graphic 
force nor sacrificed its virile interest. 

On the other hand, in this edition of Simms' ''History 
of South Carolina," the editor has tried to preserve faith- 
fully certain aims set forth by the author in his preface to 
his second edition. Chief among these the author said was 
to present such a history, "suited to the unprepared under- 
standing and the ardent temper of the young" . . . *'as 
will enable them to satisfy their own curiosity and the in- 
quiries of others." It is as lamentable now as when Simms 
observed it in 1860 "to perceive the degree of ignorance in 
which our people live with regard to those events which 
made their ancestors famous, and which have given them 



S ^ Preface. 

equal station and security." It is the editor's earnest hope 
that this book may in some degree remove this reproach by 
imparting a knowledge of South Carolina's History to the 
rising generation of her citizens. 

The narrative of the State's development has been divided 
into seven periods, the first six of which culminate in mo- 
mentous changes in South Carolina and the last of which 
gives important events in our own day. Chapters have 
been revised and written to cover specific events and stages 
in South Carolina's history without arbitrary effort to make 
them uniform in length. Therefore, the editor suggests that 
teachers who use this book will find that the numbering of 
the sections in the chapters will aid in assigning lessons 
equal in length to the pupils' ability. 

The editor has spared no pains to make the text accurate. 
In this connection, she acknowledges her debt to practi- 
cally all of the major historians who have written of South 
Carolina, as well as to a small host of pamphleteers and 
writers of historical articles. The editor lays no claim to 
settling in this little volume points in dispute about South 
Carolina's history. She has studied both sides of questions 
on which divisions of opinion exist and made the text con- 
form to the view best supported by the weight of evidence. 
In conclusion, the editor wishes to render her thanks 
gratefully to Mr. A. S. Salley, Jr., Secretary of the Historical 
Commission of South Carolina, for his invaluable aid in the 
preparation of the first three periods of this edition of Simms' 
"History of South Carolina," which he graciously read while 
they were yet in manuscript. Likewise, the editor's thanks 
are rendered to Professor A. G. Holmes, assistant professor 
of history at Clemson College; to Dr. Yates Snowden, pro- 
fessor of history at the University of South Carolina; to 
Mrs. Robert S. Bailey, teacher in the Barnwell Graded 
School; and to Mr. William Watts Ball of Columbia— each 



Preface. 9 

of whom read parts of the book in manuscript. Their sug- 
gestions and criticisms were most valuable. The editor is 
also grateful to Mrs. Thomas J. Fickling of Columbia, 
formerly professor of history at the College for Women, for 
her aid and constructive criticism, and to Dr. D. D. Wallace, 
head of the department of history and economics at Wofford 
College, for advice about the format of the book. The 
editor owes to many other friends a debt of gratitude for 
their encouragement and assistance in the preparation of 
this modest volume. 
Columbia, S. C, May, 1917. M. C. S. O. 



CONTENTS 

I. SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER THE PROPRIETORS. 

Chapter Page 

I. Discovery and Settlement of Carolina 15 

II. English Colony on the Ashley 24 

III. Expansion of the Province 33 

IV. Quarrels Between Proprietors and People 38 

V. Wars in the Province 48 

VI. Overthrow of the Proprietors 60 

n. SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER THE ROYAL 
GOVERNMENT. 

VII. Expansion Under the Rule of the King 67 

VIII. Slavery and Colonization 75 

IX. The Cherokee War 85 

X. Provincial Life 92 

XI. Royal Restrictions of Provincial Trade 102 

XII. Breach Widens Between King and Carolina 109 

XIII. The Province Becomes a State 118 

III. SOUTH CAROLINA DURING THE REVOLUTION- 
ARY WAR. 

XIV. Opening of Hostilities with England 129 

■ XV. The Fall of Charles Town 139 

XVI. Rising of the Partisans 150 

XVII. The Partisans Turn the Tide 166 

XVIII. The Partisans Capture British Posts 175 

XIX. The Partisans Drive British Coastward 185 

XX. Victory for the Partisans 193 



12 Contents. 

IV. SOUTH CAROLINA AS A STATE IN THE 

UNITED STATES. 

Chapter Page 

XXI. South Carolina Enters Union of States 203 

XXII. Economic Development 212 

XXIII. South Carolina in the War of 1812 220 

XXIV. States' Rights Movement 229 

XXV. The Palmetto Regiment in the Mexican War 243 

XXVI. War Between the Sections Inevitable 252 

V. SOUTH CAROLINA AS A STATE IN THE 

CONFEDERACY. 

XXVII. Outbreak of Hostilities 265 

XXVIII. Progress of the War— 1862-63 275 

XXIX. Progress of the War— 1863-64 286 

XXX. Downfall of the Confederacy 298 

VI. SOUTH CAROLINA DURING RECONSTRUCTION. 

XXXI . South Carolina Under Radical Government.. 309 
XXXII. Overthrow of Radical Government 320 

Vn. SOUTH CAROLINA IN RECENT YEARS. 

XXXIII. Retrenchment and Reform 335 

XXXIV. Rebuilding the State 343 

XXXV. Development: Political and Agricultural 347 

XXXVI. Development: Social and Industrial 359 



I. 

SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER THE 
PROPRIETORS 



CHAPTER I. 

DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OF CAROLINA. 

1. Carolina. The territory which came to be known as 
CaroHna stretched along the Atlantic coast of North America 
as far north as Virginia and as far south as the Gulf of 
Mexico. Westward the territory reached for hundreds of 
miles into the forested interior of the continent. 

2. The Indians. The first European visitors to this section 
of the North American continent found it peopled by the 
Indians, a race of red men, 'Veil formed in limb; having 
great and black eyes, with a cheerful and steady look; not 
strong of body, yet sharp-witted; nimble, and exceeding 
great runners." The Indians lived in log houses, covered 
with matting so as to be proof against rain and cold. They 
had boats, some of which were twenty feet in length, hol- 
lowed by flint and fire from mighty trees. 

3. European Claims to Carolina. Three great nations of 
Europe contended on grounds of nearly equal justice for the 
right to the possession of this section of North America. 

England laid claim, according to one group of writers, by 
virtue of a grant from the Pope. Another group of writers 
hold that her right to possess it was founded upon a supposed 
discovery of its shores in 1497-1498 by John Cabot and 
his son Sebastian — Italian sea captains, who were in the 
service of England. 

Spain claimed this territory on the ground that Juan 
Ponce de Leon, under its commission, discovered, in 1512, a 
neighboring territory to which he gave the name of Florida. 
This name was made to cover a region of measureless extent. 
De Leon was beaten by the Indians and driven from the 
country. In 1520, Vasquez de Ayllon made the shores of 
this territory at the mouth of a river to which he gave the 



16 The History of South Carolina. 

name of the Jordan. Here he was received by the natives 
with a shy timidity at first, the natural result of their won- 
der at the strange ships and strangely clothed visitors. Their 
fear soon subsided, and kindliness took its place. They 
treated the strangers with good nature and hospitality. 
The country they called Chiquola. The Spaniards easily 
persuaded the Indians to visit the ships. Watching the 
moment when the decks were most crowded, the treacher- 
ous Spaniards suddenly sailed away, carrying nearly 200 of 
the red men to sell as slaves. 

The claim of France rested upon the discoveries of John 
Verazzano, who reached the coast of what is now North 
Carolina, in 1524. Here he found the country to his liking. 
The forests were noble. The yellow sands seemed to him to 
promise gold, which was the chief •thing he came to find. 
Verazzano describes the natives as ''gentle and courteous 
in their manners; of sweet and pleasant manners and comely 
to behold." They treated the European strangers with 
kindness. One of the crew of Verazzano, attempting to 
swim ashore, was so much injured in passing through the 
surf, that he lay senseless on the beach. The Indians ran 
to his relief, rescued him from the waves, rubbed his limbs, 
gave him food, and returned him in safety to the vessel. 

4. The Influence of These Nations on Carolina. Thus it 
appears that England, France and Spain based their claims 
to this territory, later to be called Carolina, on the ground 
that certain of their subjects had visited its shores. In 
studying the early history of Carolina we must keep in mind 
the fact that to a great extent the history of these three 
European nations made Carolina's history. England, France, 
and Spain in time succeeded in estabhshing colonies in various 
parts of America, and whenever war occurred in Europe 
among these nations it was also fought in America by their 
colonies. 



The History of South Carolina. X7 

The settlements in Carolina were made either by Euro- 
peans in search of adventure or money, or by persons who 
had been troubled in their native lands because of their 
religion. These settlers did not cut themselves off entirely 
from their mother countries. So naturally they felt every 
disturbance in their European homes. We will find Carolina 
often torn, too, by quarrels among her citizens, due to 
difference in their nationalities, as well as by disturbances in 
Europe. Thus, early Carolina history will in many phases 
be but a reflection, colored by its own local problems, of 
the. history of the nations across the Atlantic Ocean. 

5. Jean Ribault's Expedition. In 1561, CoUgny, admiral of 
France, obtained from Charles IX, the French king, per- 
mission to plant a colony in Florida, one of the several names 
by which Carolina was then known. This was to be a place 
of refuge for the French Huguenots, or Protestants, who 
were being persecuted on account of their religion. The 
expedition was entrusted to Jean Ribault, an experienced 
sea captain, a brave soldier, and a good Protestant. With 
two ships Ribault set sail from France with a party of Hugue- 
nots, and one day in the spring of the year anchored in a 
magnificent bay. To this bay, ''because of the fairnesse 
and largenesse thereof, "Ribault gave the name of Port 
Royal. 

The dehghted Huguenots landed upon the northern shore 
of the entrance to Port Royal. The mighty oaks, and the 
''infinite store of cedars" drew their eyes, and as they passed 
through the woods they saw "turkey cocks flying in the 
forests, partridges, gray and red, little different from our's 
but chiefly in bigness." Being delighted with the place, 
"they set themselves to fishing with nets, and caught such 
a number of fish that it was wonderful." 

6. The Meeting with the Indians. Having refreshed them- 
selves with the fruits, the flesh, and the fish of Port Royal, 



The History of South Carolina. 19 

the Huguenots went up the river about fifteen leagues, in 
their small boats, until they saw a group of red men, who, 
at their approach, ''fled into the woods, leaving behind 
them a young lucerne (wild-cat), which they were turning 
upon a spit; for which cause the place was called Cape 
Lucerne." 

Going farther, Ribault came to an arm of the river, which 
he entered. ''A little while after, they began to espy divers 
other Indians, both men and women, half hidden within 
the woods;" these ''were dismayed at first, but soon after 
emboldened, for the captain caused stores of merchandise 
to be showed them openly, whereby they knew that we 
meant nothing but well unto them, and then they made a 
sign that we should come on land, which we would not 
refuse." The savages saluted Ribault after their simple 
fashion, and brought skins, baskets made of palm leaves, 
and a few pearls, which they freely gave to the strangers. 
They even began to build shelter to protect their visitors 
from the sun; but the Huguenots would not stay. 

7. Fort Charles. On an island, subsequently owned by 
Colonel Alexander Parris, and now known as Parris Island, 
and where there are still the remains of a fortress which 
corresponds, in form and size, with the structure raised by 
the French, Ribault built a fortress, "in length but a sixteen 
fathom, and thirteen in breadth, with flanks according to 
the proportion thereof," in which he placed provisions and 
powder, and to which he gave the name of Arx Carolina 
(Fort Charles), in honor of the reigning monarch of France. 
At the persuasion of Ribault, twenty-six of his men con- 
sented to garrison this fort, and when he had provided, as 
he supposed, sufficiently for their safety, he set sail for 
France, leaving Captain Albert in command of the post. 

8. The Life at Fort Charles. The twenty-six Frenchmen 
left at Fort Charles were lazy and thriftless, and instead of 



20 The History of South Carolina. 

planting enough grain to supply their needs, they depended 
on their Indian neighbors for food. Audusta, a powerful 
chief, was in particular their friend. He invited them to 
his country and furnished them with provisions, but before 
long his supply failed and he was able to help the Frenchmen 
no longer. Then they turned to King Couexis and his 
brother, Ovade, who generously gave them a supply of 
corn, meal, and beans. King Ovade received the French 



>f«M«^M?»«K.»iM. x.ji)M(^» 



- «.-- -*5,J«4e- 



Port Royal Harbor Into Which Ribault Sailed. 

''in a house hanged about with tapestry feathers of divers 
colors." He commanded their boats to be filled with pro- 
visions, and presented them with six coverlets like the one 
which decorated his own couch. The French had scarcely 
returned from their visit to King Ovade when their barracks 
were destroyed by fire and all their provisions lost. The 
kindly Indians hurried to help them rebuild the fort and to 
supply them again with food. 



The History of South Carolina. 21 

9. Troubles Among the French. The Indians, thriftless 
themselves, had planted barely enough corn to last the 
season. Their generosity to the white men had exhausted 
their stock and they were forced to live upon roots until 
harvest time. While the colonists were thus hard pressed 
for food, other troubles arose. These began about a common 
soldier, a drummer who was hung without trial, by the 
orders of Captain Albert. This commander seems to have 
been of a stern and overbearing temper. His treatment of 
his men was usually harsh and irritating. While they were 
yet angry at the hanging of the drummer. Captain Albert 
aroused them still further by his treatment of another 
soldier, a favorite of the men, named La Chere. This man 
he banished to an island about nine miles from the fort and 
left him there to starve. 

The result was mutiny. The colonists conspired together, 
rose suddenly and killed Captain Albert. This done, they 
brought the banished La Chere back from the island, where 
they found him almost famished. 

10. Desertion of Fort Charles. By this time the French 
were in dire need of food. Hearing nothing from France, 
hope sickened within them, and they yearned to return to 
their homes. They resolved, finally, to leave the wilderness 
in which, however hospitable had been the natives, they had 
found little besides suffering and privation. Though without 
artisans of any kind, they commenced building a small 
boat. The boat rose rapidly under their hands. The great 
pines around them yielded resin and moss for calking. The 
Indians brought them cord for tackle; and their own shirts 
and bed linen furnished the sails. The little ship was soon 
ready for sea, and, a fair wind offering, the adventurers 
departed. 

11. Sailing for France. For a time fortune smiled upon 
their voyage. They had sailed, without mishap, a full third 



22 



The History of South Carolina. 



of their way, when they were becalmed. For three weeks 
they made but twenty-five leagues; and, to add to their 
trials, their supplies failed them. Twelve grains of corn 
daily were made to answer the cravings of their hunger; 
and, even this amount lasted but a Uttle while. Their shoes 
and leather jackets became their only remaining food, and 




The Rough Boat Built by Kibault's Men for Their Homeward Voyage 
from Port Royal. — From a Descriptive Drawing. 

death appeared among them, relieving their misery by 
thinning their numbers. 

12. The Sacrifice of La Chere. To add to their troubles, 
the boat began to leak. The men had to work day and night 
bailing the water out. During all this suffering the man 
named La Chere, who had been exiled by Captain Albert 



The History of South Carolina. 23 

and rescued by the soldiers, encouraged them by saying 
that in three days they would make land. At the end of 
this time there was no sight of land, and there remained no 
food. They were in despair. Then La Chere proposed that 
one of their number should die to save the rest. The lot 
fell to himself; and without a struggle or show of reluctance, 
he bared his neck to the stroke. His starving comrades 
greedily drank of his blood and distributed his flesh among 
them. La Chere's sacrifice enabled them to live until they 
were picked up by an English vessel. 

13. Fort Caroline. The little garrison which Ribault had 
left at Fort Charles had not been heard of in France, so three 
ships, under the command of Rene Laudonniere were dis- 
patched to its aid. Laudonniere reached America in 1564, 
and finding that Fort Charles had been abandoned, he 
proceeded to Florida, where he built a fort on what is now 
the St. John's River. This fort he called Fort Caroline, 
and the surrounding country was known as La Caroline. 

This colony met a disastrous end. Spaniards, under a 
fierce captain named Menendez, had made a settlement, 
which later they called St. Augustine. The Spaniards claimed 
this territory under the general name of Florida, and re- 
garded the French as trespassers. Menendez was a fanatical 
Roman Catholic, and as Fort Caroline was a Protestant 
settlement, he fell upon it and massacred its entire popula- 
tion. The story goes that beneath the trees on whose 
branches Menendez hung the French he placed an inscrip- 
tion, ''We do this not to Frenchmen, but to heretics." This 
massacre was avenged by the Chevalier de Gourges, who 
sailed from France with an expedition raised at his own 
expense for this purpose. He hung the Spaniards, to the 
same trees, and changed the inscription to read, "I do this 
not to Spaniards, nor Catholics; but to traitors, robbers 
and murderers." 

Thus ended the first attempts to plant a colony in Carolina. 



CHAPTER II. 

ENGLISH COLONY ON THE ASHLEY. 

14. The English Lords Proprietors. With the disaster at 
Fort Carohne, the French gave up their claim to Carohna, 
and it was more than a hundred years after their abandon- 
ment before another settlement was made in this section. 
In the meantime, England had successfully planted colonies 
in Virginia and Massachusetts, and Dutch settlements had 
been made in New Amsterdam and elsewhere. Claiming 
that the explorations of Sebastian Cabot, in 1497-1498, 
gave Great Britain sway over that portion of America 
lying between the 31st and 36th degrees of north latitude, 
Charles I, on October 30, 1629, granted it to his attorney 
general, Sir Robert Heath, for the founding of a province to 
be known as Carolina. Sir Robert did nothing toward 
settling his province, and, on March 20, 1663, Charles II, 
by letters-patent, granted the territory between the same 
parallels of latitude, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, to 
eight of his political supporters — the Earl of Clarendon; 
the Duke of Albemarle; WilHam, Earl of Craven; Anthony, 
Lord Ashley; John, Lord Berkeley; Sir George Carteret; 
Sir WiUiam Berkeley; and Sir John Colleton. 

These noblemen formed a company known as the Lords 
Proprietors. The setthng of Carolina was to be a simple 
business scheme with them, from which they hoped to make 
money. The grant which they obtained comprised a terri- 
tory out of which subsequently the several provinces (now 
States) of South CaroHna, North CaroHna, and Georgia 
were formed. Of this immense region King Charles made 
them absolute lords and proprietors, reserving to himself 
simply sovereignty of the country. 

15. The Fundamental Constitutions. Before sending a 



The History of South Carolina. 25 

colony out to settle in Carolina, the Lords Proprietors in 
London framed a system of laws for its government. John 
Locke, a great English philosopher, who was employed as 
secretary by Lord Ashley, prepared a code of laws called 
the Fundamental Constitutions, the most striking feature 
of which was the provision for the creation of a nobility in 
Carolina. Besides the proprietors, the nobihty was to con- 
sist of Landgraves and Cassiques, the title of Cassique being 
derived from that of the Indian chiefs. A stated amount 
of land was to go with each title. Each Landgrave was to 
have four baronies and each Cassique two baronies. A 
barony consisted of 12,000 acres. The titles were to be 
conferred upon such inhabitants of the province as the 
Proprietors saw fit. 

Among other things, the Constitutions provided for the 
establishment of eight Supreme Courts, and for the calling 
of a Parliament. No laws were to be passed without the 
consent of the colonists, and entire freedom of religion was 
to be allowed. 

16. A Colony Sent Out by the Lords Proprietors. In 1665 
an attempt was made by the Proprietors to plant a colony 
at Cape Fear, in what is now North Carolina. This colony 
was sent out from Barbadoes, with Sir John Yeamans as its 
governor, and proved wholly unsuccessful. In 1669, they 
made a second attempt. They fitted out a fleet of three 
ships for a settlement at Port Royal, and gave the command 
of it to Joseph West. He was directed to go first to Bar- 
badoes to Sir John Yeamans, and to take further orders 
from him. At Barbadoes Sir John joined the expedition, 
went with it as far as Bermuda, and there leaving it, appointed 
William Sayle as governor. Arriving at Port Royal, Sayle 
was met by an Indian Chief, the Cassique of Kiawah, who 
told him that Port Royal was harried by the fierce Westo 
Indians, whom he described as cannibals, and persuaded 



26 



The History of South Carolina. 



the expedition to go to his country to settle. The colony 
landed in April on the western bank of the Ktawah, which 

river we know as the 
Ashley, and called the 
place Charles Town in 
compHment to the King. 

17. The Life of the 
Colonists. The colonists, 
with the aid of negro 
slaves which they 
brought with them, im- 
mediately began to erect 
fortifications, to lay out 
streets and town lots, 
and to build houses. The 
country proved good be- 
yond their expectations. 
Deer, turkeys, rabbits, 
turtles, and fish were 
abundant. However, 
new settlers in all coun- 
tries are subjected to terrible hardships. They had to cut 
down forests, build houses, and clear the ground for raising 
crops. In this low, flat country the sultry climate proved a 
great burden. The Europeans also suffered from the fatigue 
of unaccustomed labors under a hot sun. 

18. Foes to the Colonists. The Kiawahs, whose chief had 
welcomed the English to the country, were always friendly 
to them, but they were not strong enough to protect them 
from other warUke tribes who were daily becoming more 
jealous of their white neighbors. CaroUna is said to have 
been occupied at this time by twenty-eight Indian tribes. 
United, they could bring 50,000 warriors into the field. To 




Charles II, the English King. Who 
Granted the Territory Named "Caro- 



lina" to Blgbt of His 
porters in 1663. 



Political Sup- 



The History of South Carolina. 27 

the infant colony of Carolina, these savages suggested con- 
stant alarm and danger. The Westo and Stono tribes, as 
they were nearest, were the most troublesome. Their 
attacks were doubly dangerous and annoying, as it was 
found difficult to provide against them. The superiority of 
the musket over the bow and arrow, in a dense and primi- 
tive forest, was very small. Concealed in the thicket, the 
Indian launched his shaft before the European had dreamed 
of the presence of an enemy. 

Thus surrounded by these unfriendly Indian neighbors, 
the Carolinians were compelled to stand always ready to 
fight. While one party slept, an equal number watched. 
He who felled a tree in the forest, was protected by another, 
who stood ready with his musket in the shade; and so per- 
severing were the Indians, that the settler dared not lay 
aside his weapon, even while gathering oysters on the shores 
of the creeks. From the woods the settlers were almost 
wholly excluded by reason of the red skins who infested 
them; and, but for the fish from the rivers, the colonists 
would have perished of famine. Their scanty crops were 
raised, not only by the sweat of their brows, but at the 
peril of their lives; and, when raised, were exposed to the 
plundering of the Indians. A single night frequently lost to 
the farmer the dearly bought products of a year of toil. 

19. The Temporary Laws. It was soon found that the 
Fundamental Constitutions were too elaborate in their pro- 
visions for so simple a colony as that which came to Carolina. 
For a settlement of not more than 200 inhabitants, the 
Constitutions had proposed to maintain a grand council, 
parliament, courts and many high offices. Realizing the 
impossibility of these requirements, the Lords Proprietors 
sent out a set of Temporary Laws to meet the demands of 
the colony. 



28 



The History of South Carolina. 



20. The Death of the First Governor. Governor Sayle had 
shared in all the hardships of his fellow adventurers, and had 
encouraged them in every way in his power From hard 
work and exposure, his health failed and he died. His 
commission had given him the right to choose a successor, 

and he had appointed 
Joseph West governor of 
the colony until the Pro- 
prietors should send 
some one to succeed 
him. 

21. The Kussoes. 
The chief trouble during 
Governor West's brief 
term arose with the tribe 
of Kussoe Indians who 
were influenced by the 
Spaniards against the 
English. It must be 
remembered that the 
Spaniards in Florida 
claimed all of Carohna 
under the name of Flori- 
da, and resenting the 
settlement of the Eng- 
hsh on the Ashley, were continually urging the Indians 
to fight them. The English colonists were in constant 
state of defense, and at last the Kussoes became so insolent 
and bold that Governor West declared war against them. 
Invading the Indian country, the colonists took many of 
them captive and subdued the tribe. 

22. Removal to Oyster Point. The Proprietors had not 
commissioned Joseph West as governor, and in 1672 they 
sent out a commission to Sir John Yeamans who had re- 




Anthony, Lord Ashley, the Lord Pro- 
prietor for Whom the Indian River, 
Kiawah, Was Re-named. 



The History of South Carolina. 29 



A 



cently come to Carolina from Barbadoes. The first act of 
his administration was to lay off, at the command of the 
Proprietors, a new town on the Ashley to which the seat of 
government was to be transferred. The site then occupied 
was too low and unhealthy, and could not be approached 
by large vessels at low tide. A neck of land called Oyster 
Point was chosen, at the confluence of two broad and deep 
rivers, the Kiawah and the Etiwan, which in compliment 
to Lord Ashley had been called after him, the Ashley and 
Cooper. The new site on Oyster Point they also named 
Charles Town. 

23. Needs of the Colonists. The miserly Proprietors quar- 
reled with Governor Yeamans because of a debt of several 
thousand pounds which he incurred at the beginning of his ad- 
ministration. He placed the colony in a state of security 
against invasion, mounted cannon, armed the inhabitants, 
and enrolled six companies of soldiers. The Proprietors 
wished to be repaid for the money they had put into the set- 
tling of the colony. The needy colonists, who were strug- 
gling for a living, were asked to repay the Proprietors by 
sending them cargoes of timber. Unless the colonists did so, 
they threatened that they would send them no more am- 
munition and provisions. The colonists were largely depen- 
dent on England for provisions because of the difficulty of 
clearing enough land to plant, and often their little fields 
were robbed of their crops by the Indians. 

24. The O'SuUivan Riot. Failing to receive suppKes from 
England, the colonists were in despair. When a people are 
discontented there will not long be wanting some unruly 
spirit to take advantage of their sufferings; and Florence 
O'Sullivan, to whom the island at the entrance of the harbor, 
which now bears his name, had then been entrusted for 
defense, deserted his post and joined the malcontents in 
Charles Town. A riot followed which threatened the ruin 



30 



The History of South Carolina. 



of the colony. The prudence and firmness of Governor 
Yeamans, however, prevented violence. O'Sullivan was 
arrested, the people quieted, and vessels were dispatched for 
supplies to Barbadoes and Virginia. A timely ship from 
England, bringing provisions and new settlers, revived the 
spirits of the people and cheered them to renewed efforts. 

25. The Spaniards. While these events were in progress, a 
new enemy started up, to add to the many dangers and 




Movlag from Old Charles Town to Charles Town. 

annoyances of the Carolinians. The Spaniards, at St. 
Augustine, had long looked upon the settlement of the 
English at Ashley and Cooper rivers as an encroachment 
upon the dominions of their monarch. They had watched 
the colony of the English with a keen disquiet. 

Having obtained a knowledge of the miserable condition 
of the Carolinians, and the discontent among them, the 
Spaniards advanced with a well-armed party to destroy the 
settlement. They reached St. Helena, where they were 



The History of South Carolina. 31 

joined by Brian Fitzpatrick, a worthless traitor, who had 
deserted the colony in the moment of its distress, and who 
now told the invaders of its weaknesses. The Spaniards 
continued to advance under his guidance; but, in the mean- 
time, the English vessel, bringing supplies of men and powder, 
fortunately arrived in Ashley River. 

This re-enforcement enabled Governor Yeamans to assume 
the offensive. He dispatched with his ship 50 volunteers, 
under Colonel John Godfrey, to meet the Spaniards; but 
they did not await his attack. Instead, they fled at his 
approach, deserting St. Helena Island, of which they had 
obtained full possession, and retreated, with all haste, to 
St. Augustine. This attempt of the Spaniards, though con- 
ducted with little spirit and marked by no battle, was the 
beginning of a long succession of conflicts between the two 
colonies. 

26. Fundamental Constitutions Proclaimed. In 1674, 
under the administration of Sir John Yeamans, the Funda- 
mental Constitutions were formally proclaimed to the people. 
Hitherto, the colony had been living under a temporary 
government, but now the population having, it was thought, 
sufficiently increased and expanded, the more elaborate 
system was put in force. The people were assembled and 
the Constitutions declared to them. Under their authority 
the province was divided into four counties, called Berke- 
ley, Colleton, Craven and Carteret. 

27. Retirement of Sir John. This duty done. Sir John 
abandoned the colony and went to Barbadoes, where he 
soon died. He was about to be removed by the Proprietors, 
although he was ignorant of this. Rumors were afloat that 
the scarcity of provisions had been due to his exporting of 
grain to Barbadoes while the colonists were in dire need. 
It seems, though, that there was no starvation in the colony. 
There was difficulty at first in finding the grains best suited 



S2 The History of South Carolina. 

to the soil, but there was abundance of fish oysters, and 
game, and the land produced Indian corn and peas so easily 
that the settlers were secured from any danger of starvation. 
The hardships lay rather with the thefts of the Indians, and 
more especially with the niggardliness of the Proprietors 
who would not provide the colonists with sufficient suppHes 
to tide them over the first few years of adjustment to the 
new conditions. 



CHAPTER III. 
EXPANSION OF THE PROVINCE. 

28. A Wise Governor. Governor Yeamans was succeeded 
by Joseph West, whose previous term had been only under 
appointment by Governor Sayle. West was now regularly 
made governor by the Proprietors, and his administration, 
which lasted eight years, was marked by prudence and good 
government which went far towards putting the province 
on firm foundations. 

29. Disturbing Elements. From the beginning there were 
disturbing elements in Carolina. In the first place, there 
was always trouble on account of the Fundamental Con- 
stitutions which the Proprietors regarded or disregarded at 
their pleasure In the province there were two parties — one 
headed by the governor and council, who were themselves 
sworn to obey the Lords Proprietors, and the other made up 
of people who, realizing the impractlcabiUty of the Con- 
stitutions, wished to follow them only in so far as they met 
their needs. These parties were continually in conflict 
with each other. 

Another disturbing element lay in the religious differences 
of the colonists. It might have been expected that colonies 
composed of men with common interests to promote and the 
same enemies to fear would have been particularly zealous 
to maintain harmony among themselves. Unhappily, such 
was not the case. Charles Town was established as a Church 
of England settlement, but there were numbers of dissenters 
from the Church of England among the colonists. The 
dissenters were a sober people, who frowned down amuse- 
ments. They denounced the cavaliers, who were of the 
Church of England, for their frivolities and freedom of 
deportment. The cavaliers in their turn ridiculed the dis- 



34 



The History of South Carolina. 



senters with reckless and unsparing wit and tried to expose 
them to public derision and contempt. The council was 
composed mainly of cavaliers, who were strict adherents to 
the Constitutions. The dissenters were continually pro- 
testing against its injustice and neglect of their interests. 

Briefly, all the struggles 
of the old world were 
renewed in Carolina. 

30. Acquiring Land. 
For centuries the In- 
dians had lived in Caro- 
lina and looked upon the 
country as their own. 
The Proprietors regarded 
themselves, because of 
the grant from King 
Charles II, as sole owners 
of this territory, and for- 
bade the colonists to 
purchase land from the 
Indians, expecting them 
to take it and drive 
the Indians off, if neces- 
sary. Later, Lord Ash- 
ley, the Earl of Shafts- 
bury, who was the oldest Lord Proprietor, proposed to re- 
voke this order and to provide for the purchase of land 
from the Indians. This proposal was not a fair one because 
it was intended to give the Indians trinkets and ribbons — • 
things of no value — in return for their land. 

31. Arrival of Immigrant Parties. Immigrants began to 
arrive in small parties from Barbadoes, other West Indian 
settlements, and England about this time. The Proprietors 




George Monck, Duke of Albemarle, One 
of the Lords Proprietors. 



The History of South Carolina. 35 

encouraged immigration by offering various inducements, 
especially to colonists who would come in sufficient numbers 
to form a town. A number of French Protestants were 
granted tracts of land, the Proprietors expecting from them 
the introduction of the manufacture of silk, and the cul- 
ture of the oUve and the grape. 

32. The Growth of Charles Town. At this time there were 
about a hundred houses in Charles Town and more were 
building. The land near the town was sold for some twenty 
shillings an acre. There were 16 vessels which came to 
trade with the people of the town who numbered between 
1,000 and 1,200 souls. This population was being steadily 
increased by the arrival of new immigrants. The first church 
built in Charles Town was called the English Church. It 
stood on the present site of St. Michael's chtirch and was 
built about 1682. 

33. Natural Advantages. The health of the colonists was 
good. The soil was fertile, producing with little cultivation 
rice, wheat, rye, oats and peas. Crops of Indian corn were 
harvested twice a year. From the corn the colonists made 
bread, beer, and strong brandy. There was a great increase 
in the number of cattle, hogs and sheep which had been 
brought to Carolina. Because of ils mildness, the climate 
suited the negroes, who were now quite numerous, as many 
settlers from the West Indies ever since the beginning had 
brought their slaves with them. The hunting was good, 
and all of the big planters employed Indian hunters to supply 
their tables with venison and game. It was easy to make 
a living in Carolina. 

34. Trading with the Indians. The first fortunes in Caro- 
lina were made by trading with the Indians. From the 
beginning, the Proprietors tried to carry on this trade through 
private agents so that they, instead of the colonists, would 
profit. However, they were unable to prevent the people 



36 



The History of South Carolina. 



of Carolina from engaging in this profitable business. The 
colonists exported to England skins and furs for which they 
had given the Indians guns, trinkets and beads. In addi- 
tion, they sent pitch, resin, and food stuffs to Barbadoes and 
Jamaica, obtaining from these islands in return for their 
products sugar, rum, molasses and ginger. The Indian 

trade in these early days 
produced far more 
wealth than planting. 

35. Indian and Negro 
Slaves. The Proprietors 
had given the colonists 
permission to sell cap- 
tive Indians into slavery. 
The settlers, finding this 
an easy and profitable 
way to rid themselves 
of their red-skin ene- 
mies, sent many of them 
to the West Indies. In 
return for the Indian 
slaves, they bought ne- 
gro slaves from the In- 
dies to work in Carolina. 
The colonists were un- 
troubled by any thought 
of wrongdoing in this matter as by the rules of war then in 
force captives were looked upon as the absolute property 
of the captors, to do with as they chose. 

36. Parliament Meets — Governor West Removed. A Par- 
liament was held in Carolina at the close of 1682, when 
laws were enacted for the establishment of a militia system; 
for building roads through the forests; for repressing drunken- 




William, First Earl of Craven, One of 
the Lords Proprietors. 



The History of South Carolina. 37 

ness and swearing; and for otherwise promoting morality 
among the people. 

Although the Lords Proprietors themselves had given the 
settlers permission to engage in the Indian slave trade, they 
used the existence of this practice as an excuse for removing 
Governor West, who had served the colonists well for eight 
years. Joseph Morton was appointed governor in place of 
West by the Proprietors. 



CHAPTER IV. 
QUARRELS BETWEEN PROPRIETORS AND PEOPLE. 

37. Election Troubles. The Proprietors were continually 
sending out modifications and new sets of the Constitu- 
tions and requiring the Carolinians to subscribe to them, 
although the original Constitutions had expressly stated 
that no laws could be enacted without the consent of the 
people. The first act of Governor Morton's administration 
displeased the Proprietors. According to their orders the 
province had been divided into the three counties of Berke- 
ley, Craven and Colleton. Berkeley comprised the territory 
around Charles Town; Craven, lay to the north of it; and 
Colleton to the South, contained Port Royal, and the 
islands in its vicinity. Of the twenty members of whom 
the parliament was to be composed the Proprietors desired 
that ten should be elected by each of the counties of Berke- 
ley and Colleton. The population of Craven was still deemed 
too small to merit any representation. The election being 
held at Charles Town, the inhabitants of Berkeley excluded 
Colleton and returned the whole twenty members. This 
enraged the Proprietors, and they ordered the Parliament 
dissolved. 

38. Acts of the Parliament. Several important acts had 
been passed before Governor Morton had been compelled 
by the Proprietors to dissolve the Parliament. Among 
these was one which suspended all prosecutions for foreign 
debts, this meaning that the people would not be held liable 
for debts which they had previously contracted in England. 
The Proprietors were more incensed by this than by the 
manner of electing the Parliament, declaring that the 
enactment obstructed the course of justice and was contrary 
to the King's honor. 



The History of South Carolina. 39 

39. Coming of the Scots to Port Royal. Governor Morton's 
administration was marked by the coming of a colony of 
Scots under Lord Cardross, a Scotch nobleman who left 
his country because freedom in religion was denied him. 
The Scotch colony secured grants from the Proprietors for 
large tracts of land around Port Royal because they had 
heard glowing reports of ''the largenesse and fairnesse" of 
its harbor. Unhappily, in selecting Port Royal, they dis- 
regarded the fact that the Spaniards would be near and 
hostile neighbors, ready to pounce upon any new settlers 
of the Carolina territory. 

40. Removal of Governor Morton. Governor Morton's ad- 
ministration became more and more difficult because the 
interests of the struggling colonists were in direct conflict 
with those of the Proprietors from whom he received his 
instructions. Then, too, in the province itself the two parties, 
one composed of adherents of the Proprietors, and the other, 
of defenders of the Uberties of the people, were continually 
at odds. Governor Morton was between two fires. After 
two years, the Proprietors, disappointed because he had not 
carried out their instructions to their liking, removed him 
from office. Sir Richard Kyrle of Ireland was appointed 
his successor. The Proprietors beHeved that Sir Richard, 
who had never been in the province and who had no interests 
there, would follow their instructions to the letter without 
being influenced by the demands of the people. 

41. Kyrle's Death — Appointment of West. Sir Richard 
died soon after his arrival in the province and the Council 
elected Joseph West to succeed him, the choice being con- 
firmed by the Proprietors in March, 1685. West had held 
oflftce twice and had done more for the province by his 
faithfulness, prudence, and wisdom than any other of the 
Proprietary governors. Yet he had been set aside twice by 
the Proprietors for no reason but to make place for men of 



40 The History of South Carolina. 

more prominence and wealth. He now entered upon his 
third administration as governor. This term lasted less 
than a year. The differences between the Proprietors and 
the people were rapidly becoming so great that it was hard 
for any governor to hold office long. From the beginning 
of his term West had trouble in attempting to adjust these 
differences. The Proprietors first demanded of him that he 
make the people pay to them rents in money and not in 
provisions. Money was very scarce in the province and the 
people protested against this demand. Along with this 
order for the payment of rents in money, the Proprietors 
sent out a new set of instructions which repealed all previous 
laws. Governor West, harrassed by the strife among the 
people, resigned his office and retired from the province in 
the summer of 1685. The Council chose Robert Quary to 
succeed him. 

42. Pirates. When the English settled Carolina, Charles II 
encouraged piracy because the lawless men who followed 
this life could be of service to him in plundering the Spanish 
colony in Florida. They proved such useful aUies that 
King Charles regularly commissioned them as privateers and 
actually conferred Knighthood upon Henry Morgan, one of 
the band of pirates. The hostility of the Spaniards seemed 
to justify this course. With the King openly favoring the 
pirates the colonists frequently availed themselves of the 
assistance which these sea robbers could render them against 
their mortal foes, the Spaniards. 

43. Governor Quary Removed from Office. The harboring 
of pirates by some of the colonists would probably have 
continued indefinitely had the buccaneers confined themselves 
to plundering Spanish vessels, but in their greed they at- 
tacked merchant ships of all nations, inflicting so much 
damage that the English board of trade protested to the 
Proprietors that the colonists were encouraging the pirates 



The History of South Carolina. 41 

in their plundering. The Proprietors immediately turned 
upon Governor Quary, upbraiding him for harboring the 
pirates, and removed him from office after he had served 
but two or three months. 

44. Troubles in Provincial Parliament. Charles II had 
died in the meantime and James I, his brother, succeeded to 
the throne of England. In Carolina, Joseph Morton, who 
had held the office of Governor once before, was appointed 
by the Proprietors to succeed Quary. A Parliament was 
called and the members requested to subscribe to the new 
set of instructions which the Proprietors had sent out. 
Almost two-thirds of the members refused. These were 
asked to resign and the session was continued by the mem- 
bers who complied with the requirements of the Proprietors. 
The discharged members went home in anger, their protests 
against the injustice of their treatment sowing seeds of 
discontent. 

45. The King's Revenue Officer. King James sent out at 
this time George Muschamp as first Collector of the 
King's. Revenue. His instructions demanded the enforce- 
ment of laws prohibiting the importation and exportation of 
goods save in English ships or ships owned by English 
colonies, and manned largely by English sailors. These laws 
prohibited the selling of certain stated commodities, among 
which were cotton, indigo and sugar (later rice was added) 
to any but English ports or to the ports of English colonies. 
The Carolinians, however, paid no attention to the Collector 
and carried on their business as they had before his arrival. 
The Collector complained of this independent spirit of the 
Carolinians, prophesying that in time it would bring about 
rebellion. 

46. The Spaniards Destroy the Scotch Colony. In 1686 
the Spaniards from St. Augustine, descending suddenly upon 
Port Royal, massacred a great number of the Scotch colonists 




i^ar/fi/ia,jf^ 



'r- 



Zt\aj/(o^^ K^wey arc Aucunti! Ja^cr/ii"^ <7^< 



. tar%^iif ^»(^/''"<^ a^nfMJfce /c oitr</fq^rsia/!ie\Urt^,^^.'i^^^ 

>^U<nr^vii^ Oct 









Oath of Allegiance Taken by Officials of South Carolina in 1685, 
Promising 'Faith and True Allegiance" to King James II and 
"Fidelitie and Submission"' to the Lords Proprietors. — From a 
Photograph. 



The History of South Carolina. 43 

whom Lord Cardross had settled there in 1683 and took others 
captive. Some few escaped to Charles Town. The Span- 
iards, laying waste as they went, also landed on Edisto 
Island, plundered and burned the plantations of Governor 
Morton, Secretary Grimball, and others, but hastily retired 
before men could be mustered to fight them. 

47. The Expedition Against the Spaniards. The spirit of 
the colonists, whom continual fighting had made a warlike 
people, was at once aroused by this attack on the Scotch. 
They resolved to carry their arms into the enemy's country. 
An expedition was formed and preparations were begun for 
an invasion of Florida. In the midst of these preparations, 
in November, 1686, Governor Morton died. About this 
time James Colleton arrived from Barbadoes with a com- 
mission as governor of the province. The new governor 
stopped the expedition, threatening to hang any one who 
defied him. The Proprietors wrote voicing their approval of 
Colleton's action. The colonists were indignant, feehng that 
in not avenging the attack of the Spaniards they were pur- 
suing a dishonorable course. 

48. Proprietors Concerned About Charter. The real reason 
for the stoppage of the expedition was that the King of 
England was at that time friendly with Spain, and the 
Proprietors were fearful of incurring his displeasure if they 
permitted the Carolinians to fight the Spanish settlers in 
Florida. The Proprietors were aware of the fact that King 
James was considering revoking their charter, and they 
were careful not to anger him in any way. 

There was further trouble between the King and the 
Proprietors because of the refusal of the colonists to obey 
the instructions of the King's revenue officer. Thus, the 
Proprietors were beginning to feel that their hold on the 
province was becoming very uncertain indeed. 



44 The History of South Carolina. 

49. Resentment Against Governor Colleton. The people 
bore Colleton ill will because of his treatment of them in 
stopping the expedition into Florida. This resentment in- 
creased as he endeavored to carry out to the letter the 
instructions of the Proprietors. He held the people rigidly 
to the payment of rents and displayed an arrogance which 
was highly irritating to them. The spirit of the people 
became more turbulent with every new show of authority. 
There was some rioting. Governor Colleton attempted to 
call out the militia. The people were so enraged at this that 
the province was almost in a state of rebellion. 

50. Seth Sothell. At this time, Seth Sothell, who had 
bought the share of the Earl of Clarendon, arrived in the 
province and took the reins of government on the ground 
that he was a Proprietor. It was claimed that in the govern- 
nor's chair he enriched himself at the colonists' expense. 
He was recalled to England for investigation of these charges 
and Colonel Philip Ludwell, of Virginia, was appointed to 
succeed him as governor. 

51. Trouble Over the French Huguenots. Trouble now 
arose because of the French Huguenots who had settled in 
Craven County. Ludwell was instructed by the Proprietors 
to admit the Huguenots to the same political privileges 
with the English colonists. Of the twenty members of the 
Commons House, six were Frenchmen returned from Craven 
County. The English protested against this, feeling it to 
be unjust for these new settlers of alien birth and different 
language to have so large a part in making laws for the 
province. The dispute which arose out of this was pro- 
ductive of ill-feeling toward Ludwell. Both the Proprietors 
and the people were displeased with his administration. 
Ludwell appeared to yield to the wishes of the people. Con- 
sequently, the Proprietors deprived him of office, appointing 
Thomas Smith governor in his place. 



The History of South Carolina. 



45 



52. Medley of Settlers. It was natural that there should be 
conflicts among the people as South Carolina was settled by 
many different classes of immigrants. The Church of Eng- 
land immigrants, as we have seen, were the first to form a 
permanent settlement, colonizing the country around the 
banks of the Ashley and the Cooper. Having been the first 
to come, they naturally took the leadership into their hands. 
English dissenters settled on the Edisto and elsewhere. 

French Huguenots set- 
tled in Charles Town, 
at the Orange Quarter, 
in Berkeley County, and 
on the Santee in Craven 
County. It is not sur- 
prising that there should 
have been difl^iculty in 
governing such a mixed 
body of people as that 
which made up South 
Carolina — people of dif- 
ferent nationality, 
speech, temperament, 
and religion. An act 
was passed consolidating 
Berkeley and Craven 
Counties in electing rep- 
resentatives to the Com- 
mons House. This gave the English control of the elections 
and thereafter very few Frenchmen were sent to the As- 
sembly. 

53. Province in a State of Discontent. The province was 
in a state of discontent. Smith found it impossible to 
relieve the radical differences between the Proprietors and 
the people. In utter despair, at last, Smith wrote to the 




The Earl of Clarendon, the Lord Pro- 
prietor for Whom Clarendon County is 
named. 



46 The History of South Carolina. 

Proprietors, praying to be released from a charge which 
brought him nothing but annoyance, and in which he could 
hope to do no good. He declared, in his letter, that he 
despaired ever to unite the people; and that, weary of the 
disturbances among them, he, and many others, were re- 
solved upon leaving the province, unless they sent out one 
of their own number, with full power to redress grievances 
and amend the laws. Nothing else, it was his conviction, 
would bring the settlers to a condition of tranquility. At 
the end of 1694, Governor Smith died and the Council chose 
Joseph Blake to succeed him. 

54. A Lull in the Discontent. The Proprietors adopted the 
suggestions of Smith and sent John Archdale, a Quaker, and 
one of their number, to Carolina to assume the Government. 
Archdale's administration seems to have been a wise one. It 
was not distinguished by any incident of importance; it was 
peaceable, and received, as it merited, at its termination, the 
thanks of the province, for the first time given to any of its 
governors. He improved the militia system, opened friendly 
communications with the Indians and Spaniards, discouraged 
the inhumanities of the former so effectually, as to induce 
them to stop the inhuman practice of plundering ship- 
wrecked vessels and murdering their crews. He combined 
the firmness necessary to govern with the Quaker gentle- 
ness and simple benevolence. 

Archdale retired toward the end of 1696, amid a general 
flood of congratulations and good will, but his administra- 
tion was merely a lull in the growing discontent. The real 
differences between the Proprietors and the people had not 
by any means been settled. 

55. Complaints of the King's Revenue Officer. Joseph 
Blake was next commissioned governor. Edward Randolph, 
the King's collector of customs in the province at this time, 
urged His Majesty to overthrow the Proprietary charter and 



The History of South Carolina. 47 

take the government of the province upon the crown. He 
complained that the South CaroHnians ignored him com- 
pletely, trading where they pleased, without regard to His 
Majesty's instructions. He also complained of the way in 
which the people were harboring pirates, stating that they 
were the favored guests of the planters and that it was al- 
most impossible, on account of this friendliness, to convict 
a man of piracy. Many convictions were secured, however. 

During this period South Carolina was overtaken by many 
disasters. A dreadful hurricane threatened the destruction 
of Charles Town. The swollen sea was driven in upon the 
shores with such force that several persons were drowned. 
Much property and many lives were swept away. This 
disaster was followed by a fire, which nearly reduced the 
town to ashes. Smallpox succeeded the fire and spread 
death and desolation through the province. 

Scarcely had the Carolinians begun to breathe from these 
evils, when a pestilence (so called, but no doubt yellow 
fever) broke out among them, and swept off, among numer- 
ous other victims, nearly all of the public officers and one- 
half of the Assembly. Few families escaped a share in these 
calamities. The people were in despair, and many among 
the survivors began to think of abandoning a province 
which Providence seemed to have marked for every sort of 
calami t}^ 

In September, 1700, Governor Blake died. 



CHAPTER V. 
WARS IN THE PROVINCE. 

56. Expeditions Against Spaniards. Blake was succeeded 
as governor by James Moore, a man of considerable talent 
and military enterprise. He prepared to punish the Span- 
iards at St. Augustine for the frequent attacks which they 
had made upon South Carolina. A rupture of the friendly 
relations between England and Spain made this possible 
now, although a few years before when these countries were 
at peace the Proprietors had stopped a similar undertaking. 
Moore quieted the domestic quarrels of the Carolinians by 
the suggestion of this favorite expedition. His eloquence 
was successful, as well in the Assembly as among the people. 
His proposition was adopted by a great majority, in spite 
of the earnest opposition of a prudent few, who could not 
be deceived by the brilliant picture of success which had 
been held up to the imagination aof all. Two thousand 
pounds sterling were voted for the service; 600 provincial 
miUtia raised, out of a population of about 7,000 white per- 
sons; an equal number of Indians were armed; schooners and 
merchant vessels were taken as transports to carry the 
forces; and, in the month of September, 1702, Governor 
Moore sailed from Port Royal upon an enterprise conceived 
in rashness and conducted without caution. 

57. Defeat of the Carolinians. The Spaniards were per- 
mitted to know all that was going on, and were preparing 
for defence with quite as much industry as the Carolinians 
were preparing for attack. They had laid up four months' 
provisions in the castle at St. Augustine, which was also 
strongly fortified, and had sent timely dispatches to the 
West India islands for the aid of the Spanish fleet. 

Colonel Robert Daniell, a South Carohna officer of great 



The History of South Carolina. 49 

spirit, with a party of militia and Indians, made a descent 
upon the town of St. Augustine by land, while Governor 
Moore came by sea. Daniell's arrangements were made 
with equal secrecy and promptitude. He attacked, took the 
town, and plundered it, before the fleet of Moore appeared 
in sight. 

Upon Moore's arrival, the castle was surrounded, but 
without success. The cannon of the Carohnians made no 
impression, and Colonel Daniell was despatched in a sloop 
to Jamaica for supplies of bombs and larger cannon. 

But, during his absence, a Spanish vessel appeared at 
the mouth of the harbor, and Governor Moore was compelled 
to raise the siege of the castle. Abandoning his ships, he 
retreated by land to Charles Town. Daniell, on his return, 
to his great surprise, found the siege raised, and narrowly 
escaped being made captive by the enemy. This fruitless 
expedition entailed a debt of six thousand pounds upon the 
province. 

58. Expedition Against Appalachians. Moore had never 
been commissioned governor by the Proprietors, so he lost 
the office when Sir Nathaniel Johnson arrived with a com-- 
mission as governor of Carolina. By this time the terms 
North Carolina and South Carolina had come into general 
use for the two governments of the province of Carolina. 
Moore, the former governor, restless to redeem the unhappy 
result of the Florida expedition, was resolved upon more 
fighting and Governor Johnson allowed him to invade the 
Appalachian territory. 

The Appalachian Indians had been stimulated by the 
Spaniards to hostilities against the province. Determined to 
chastise them, Moore raised a force of South Carolinians and 
Indians, and marched into the very heart of their settle- 
ments. Wherever he went, he carried fire and sword, and 
struck terror into the souls of the savages. The Appalachian 



50 



The History of South Carolina. 



towns, between the Savannah and Altamaha, were laid in 
ashes, the countrj- was ravaged, the people made captives, 
800 of them slain, and the most hidden settlements devas- 
tated. Appalachia became afterwards the province of Georgia. 
59. The French Attack Charles Town. A war, at this 
time waging between the great European powers of Jlngland, 

France, and Spain, nec- 
essarily involved the for- 
tunes and interests of 
their separate colonies. 
A plan was set on foot 
by the joint forces of 
France and Spain to 
invade Charles Town, 
and the Carolinians were 
summoned to arms. 
Fortifications were 
pushed forward with ra- 
pidity, ammunition pro- 
cured, provisions stored; 
and the settlements at 
Ashley River were soon 
put in a tolerable state 
of defence. Fort John- 
son was erected on James 
Island to meet this emer- 
gency; redoubts raised at White Point, now the site of a 
charming promenade — the Battery — and, having completed 
their preparations, the Carolinians awaited the appearance 
of the foe. 

The invasion took place in August, 1706, while yellow 
fever was raging in Charles Town and when its principal 
inhabitants had left the place for their plantations. A 
French fleet, under Monsieur Le Feboure, appeared before 




Colonel William Rhett, Who Captured 
Pirates. 



The History of South Carolina. 51 

the harbor. Five separate smokes, which were raised by a 
corps of observation, at Sullivan's Island, announced the 
number of vessels in the invading armament. 

The inhabitants of the town were at once put under arms, 
by Wilham Rhett, the colonel in command. Dispatches 
were sent to the captains of militia, in the country, and 
Governor Johnson, arriving from his plantation, proclaimed 
martial law at the head of the militia. 

His presence, as a military man of known capacity and 
valor, inspired the citizens with confidence. He summoned 
the friendly Indians, stationed his troops judiciously, gave 
his commands with calmness and resolve, and, as the troops 
came in from the country, assigned them their places and 
duties. The neighboring troops came to the defence of the 
city in numbers and willingly. At this period, the whole 
population of the province was estimated at about 15,000 
souls; of whom 8,000 were negro and Indian slaves. The 
militia mustered about 1,500 men. Some cannon were put on 
board such ships as happened to be in the harbor, and the 
sailors were thus employed in their own way to assist in 
the defence of the city. The command of the little fleet 
was given to Colonel WiUiam Rhett. 

60. The French Demand Surrender. Meanwhile, the ene- 
my having passed the bar, came to anchor a little above 
Sullivan's Island, and sent up a flag to the governor, demand- 
ing his surrender. The messenger was received blindfold, 
and conducted into the forts, where Johnson had drawn up 
his forces so as to display them to the best advantage. 

By transferring his troops from fort to fort by short routes, 
Johnson led the Frenchman to quadruple in his estimate 
the real numbers of the defenders. Having demanded the 
surrender of the town and country to the arms of France, 
the messenger concluded by declaring that his orders allowed 
him but a single hour in which to receive an answer. 



52 The History of South Carolina. 

Johnson answered promptly that he did not need a minute. 

"I hold this country for the queen of England/' said he. 
''I am ready to die, but not to deliver up my trust. My 
men will shed the last drop of their blood to defend the 
country from the invader.'' 

This answer, with the report of the messenger, seemed to 
lessen the spirit of Le Feboure. His fleet remained station- 
ary; and instead of attacking the city, he contented himself 
with making small incursions on the neighboring islands. 

Meanwhile, Colonel Rhett, having got his little fleet in 
readiness, weighed anchor and moved down the river to 
where the enemy lay. But the French did not await his 
attack. They escaped by swifter sailing, and put to sea 
without an exchange of shots. 

61. Trouble Between Gibbes and Broughton. Governor 
Johnson was succeeded in 1710 by Governor Edward Tynte, 
who died shortly after his arrival in the province. 

At his death, a controversy arose in the Council about the 
succession, which almost produced civil war. One party 
declared for Robert Gibbes, the other for Thomas Broughton. 

Broughton drew together an armed force at his planta- 
tion with which he marched upon the town. There he en- 
countered a similar array under the command of Gibbes, 
who manned the walls with the militia, and closed the gates 
against him. Aided by some of the inhabitants, who let 
down the drawbridge, Broughton forced a passage and 
entered the city. After blows were exchanged, and wounds 
given, the party of Broughton prevailed, and marched toward 
the watch-house in Broad Street. There two companies of 
militia were posted. The prudence of some of the leaders 
interposed to prevent the bloody consequences of an issue; 
and, after vainly endeavoring to make himself heard in the 
clamor of drum and trumpet, Broughton led his men off to 
another quarter. 



The History of South Carolina. 



53 



Broughton was persuaded to withdraw his party, and it 
was agreed between himself and Gibbes that their claims to 
the office of governor should be left to the Proprietors for 
arbitration, Gibbes holding the office until the decision should 
come. 

62. War with the Tuscaroras. During the year 1711, 
several of the Indian nations of North Carolina became un- 




Colonel Barnwell Leads His Expedition Against the Tuscaroras. 

From Descriptive Drawing. 

ruly and murdered a number of whites. About this time 
John Lawson, Surveyor General of North Carolina, who had 
travelled extensively in Carolina and had published a journal 
of his travels and explorations, and Baron deGraffenreid, 
who had brought a colony of Swiss settlers to North Caro- 
lina, made a journey among the Indians and were taken 



54 The History of South Carolina. 

prisoners. Lawson, with whom certain chiefs had quar- 
relled, was killed, but deGraffenreid was released. The 
massacres continuing, the government of South CaroUna 
was appealed to for help. Col. John Barnwell, with a force 
of 33 white men and 495 Indians, was sent to their aid. 

63. Colonel Barnwell's Expedition. Wild, indeed, was the 
wilderness at this time through which Barnwell was com- 
pelled to march. Unbroken forests, unopened swamps, deep 
waters, and tangled thickets lay in his path. Without 
roads, he could employ neither carriages nor horses, and yet 
the utmost despatch was necessary in order to save the North 
Carolinians from their bloody enemies. In spite of every 
difficulty, Barnwell rapidly made his way until he came up 
with the Tuscaroras. He attacked them with boldness and 
success, slew 300 men, and made captives of 100. 

The Tuscaroras he found to the number of 600 more in 
one of their towns on the Neuse river. They were sheltered 
by a wooden breastwork. Having surrounded them, and 
slain a considerable number, he compelled the rest to sue 
for peace. 

64. Second Expedition into North Carolina. A second de- 
mand was made upon South Carolina by the northern pro- 
vince, and a second force, under the command of Colonel 
James Moore, son of the former governor, was despatched to 
meet the enemy. Moore found the Indians on the Tau 
river, about fifty miles from its mouth, where they had 
thrown up entrenchments. They were well provided with 
small arms, but were soon taught the folly of standing a 
siege. Moore defeated them, entered their works, and made 
800 prisoners. The military strength of the Tuscaroras was 
annihilated in these conflicts. 

65. War with the Yemassees. Word had come from the 
Proprietors that neither Gibbes nor Broughton should hold 
the office of governor, but Charles Craven was appointed 



The History of South Carolina. 55 

to govern Carolina. The chief event of his administration 
was the Yemassee War, which threatened the very exist- 
ence of South CaroHna. The powerful and numerous Yem- 
assees, possessing a large territory in the neighborhood 
of Port Royal, had long been friendly to the Carolinians. 
They had engaged, as allies, in most of the wars against the 
Spaniards, the French, and Indian tribes. They had done 
good service and had always proved faithful, but of late 
there had been friction between the whites and the Yemas- 
sees. They resented the encroachments of the settlers upon 
their land and the abuses of the traders among the Indians. 
This resentment was encouraged by the Spaniards at St. 
Augustine, who were angered at this time by the settlement 
of the English at Beaufort; they incited the Yemassees, who 
appeared in arms in 1715. With so much secrecy had their 
proceedings been conducted, that, at their first foray, above 
ninety persons fell, under their hatchets, on the plantations, 
near Pocotaligo. Joined with the Creeks and Appalachians, 
they advanced along the southern frontier, spreading 
desolation where they came. Dividing into parties, 
they attacked Port Royal and St. Bartholomew's Parish. 
The Indians, of the southern division, mustered more than 
6,000 warriors; those of the northern were near 1,000 more. 
Reports came to the colonists that from Florida to Cape 
Fear, they were banded together, and marching forward 
from several quarters to the destruction of the settlements 
at Ashley River. 

Craven proved himself equal to the emergency. He pro- 
claimed martial law, laid an embargo on all ships, to prevent 
either men or provisions from leaving the province, seized 
upon arms and ammunition wherever they were to be found, 
and armed a force of trusty negroes, to co-operate with the 
white militia. With 250 men, at first, and, subsequently, 
1,200, he marched to meet the enemv. 



56 



The History of South Carolina. 



The Indians, meanwhile, continued to advance, plundering 
and murdering, without mercy, as they came. Thomas 
Barker, a captain of militia, with a small force, encountered 
them, and was slain, with many of his men. At Goose 
Creek, a force of 400 savages surrounded a httle stockade 
which contained 70 white men and 40 negroes. These main- 
tained themselves stoutly for a while, but, hstening im- 




Landgrave Smith's Back River House Built During tlie 
Proprietary Period. 

prudently to overtures of peace; they admitted the savages 
within their defenses, and were all butchered. 

66. Craven Appeals to the King. Governor Craven now 
appealed to the King for aid, begging ships and men, as he 
feared that the entire province would be wiped out by the 
Indians. At the same time the Lords Proprietors, hearing of 
the desperate condition of the South Carolinians, appealed to 
the Board of Trade, representing that the annihilation of such 
a thriving possession would be a great loss to England. The 
King and the Board of Trade took the position that if the 
Lords Proprietors were not able to protect their own pro- 



The History of South Carolina. 57 

vince they had no right to it. Accordingly, no help was s6nt 
and the people were left to fight their battles unaided. 

67. Carolinians Conquer the Yemassees. Unassisted by 
the King, the Board of Trade, or the Proprietors, the Caro- 
linians conquered the Yemassees. Governor Craven asked 
assistance of Virginia and North Carolina and sent to the 
New England colonists for ammunition. The fate of the 
whole province depended upon him. 

Fortunately, the Carolinians had long been accustomed to 
Indian modes of warfare. The war whoop had become a 
familiar sound and, going into the thickets and deep swamps, 
they met the Indian on his own ground. 

The Yemassees fought desperately, but were defeated. 
Driven from their camp, they maintained a running fight. 
Craven kept his men close at the heels of the enemy until 
step by step they drove them from the country. The Yemas- 
sees found shelter in the walls of St. Augustine. They took 
refuge in the everglades and it is supposed that they are the 
ancestors of the Seminole Indians of later years. With the 
expulsion of the Yemassees South Carolina gained a vast 
amount of valuable land for new settlements. 

68. Governor Craven Departs. Having assured the safety 
of the province against the Yemassees, Governor Craven, 
after a very successful administration, returned to England, 
leaving Robert Daniell as deputy governor. The General 
Assembly met and decided to appeal to the King to take over 
the province of Carolina from the Proprietors, and let it 
come under his majesty's direct protection. It described the 
distress of the province. There was still grave danger from 
the Indians, although the Yemassees had been expelled. 
Many of the people had been killed in the war, and, besides 
this, they were in great debt which they saw no means 
of paying. 



58 The History of South Carolina. 

69. Governor Daniell Captures Pirates. Along with the 
Indian outbreak the pirates now commenced preying upon 
the ships. The Proprietors could offer no assistance. Governor 
Daniell, however, succeeded in capturing a party of them 
who were tried and hanged. 

70. Robert Johnson Becomes Governor. The Proprietors 
now sent out Robert Johnson as governor of South Carolina. 
It was inevitable though that his administration should be 
difficult because he had come to represent the Proprietors 
whose interests were still in conflict witti those of the peo- 
ple. Before much dissension could begin, however, pirates 
appeared on the coast and all eyes were turned to this new 
danger. 

71. King James Promises Amnesty to Pirates. King James 
had issued a proclamation pardoning all pirates who would 
give themselves up within the twelve-month. This proc- 
lamation he published throughout the American colonies. 
Some of the buccaneers availed themselves of the pardon, 
but others continued to pursue their lawless career. Having 
been expelled from the New England coast, they hied them- 
selves to the coves and bays of the Carol inas, preying upon 
the rice shipping. Governor Johnson sent to the Proprie- 
tors for aid, writing that, ''Hardly a ship goes to sea but 
falls into the hands of pirates." The Proprietors sent no 
assistance. Once the pirates captured a vessel with some 
prominent Charles Town citizens aboard. Among these were 
Samuel Wragg, a member of the Assembly. The pirates 
were out of provisions and sent into Charles Town messen- 
gers demanding that the city supply their needs and threaten- 
ing to take the lives of the men they had captured if the 
provisions were not forthcoming. Governor Johnson com- 
phed with their demands and the captive citizens were 
released. Scarcely a day passed but what some ship was 
taken by these sea robbers. 



The History of South Carolina. 59 

72. Pirate Captains. The worst of the pirates were Steed 
Bonnet and Richard Worley. Bonnet had been a wealthy 
and educated gentleman of Barbadoes who became a pirate 
because of the adventure the life offered. He fitted out a 
ship with seventy men and began his career as a buccaneer. 
Richard Worley had been a terror for years to the whole 
coast. 

73. Rhett Captures Steed Bonnet. Word came to Charles 
Town that there were pirates harboring in Cape Fear River. 
It was determined that Colonel William Rhett should with 
two ships seek them out and destroy them. As Rhett 
entered the mouth of Cape Fear River he saw three pirate 
vessels. A desperate battle ensued which ended in victory 
for the South CaroHnians. Steed Bonnet with a crew of 
thirty men was captured and carried to Charles Town for 
trial. At the trial, Bonnet lost his courage and faUing on 
his knees begged for his life. Judge Trott was firm, how- 
ever, and Bonnet and his men were hanged. 

74. Governor Johnson Captures Worley's Ship. Soon after 
Rhett's successful expedition, a pirate vessel dropped anchor 
off the bar near Charles Town to lie in wait for merchant 
vessels. Governor Johnson realized that the Proprietors 
would send no aid and that the province must rid itself of 
the pirates without help. A little fleet was raised, volun- 
teers called for, and Governor Johnson himself decided to 
lead the expedition. The fleet sailed down the harbor toward 
the pirate vessel. The pirates, thinking them merchant 
ships, called on them to surrender. At this, the fleet opened 
fire. The pirates tried to escape, but failed in their attempt. 
After the battle it was found that the captain of the pirates 
had been killed and that he was the famous Richard Worley. 
The pirate ship was crowded with women, who, on their 
way to settle in Carolina, had been captured by these pirates. 
Twenty-three of the buccaneers were found guilty and put 
to death. 



CHAPTER VL 
OVERTHROW OF THE PROPRIETORS. 

75. Carolinians, Proprietors, and Royal Government. At 

this time the relations of South Carolina with the Proprietors 
and the Crown were very vaguely defined. The province had 
agents in London to look after its interests with the Proprie- 
tors and also its agents in London to make its appeals to the 
Crown. The King had an agent in South Carohna to attend 
to his trading interests and the Proprietors kept in touch 
with it through private sources as well as through the govern- 
or and his council. While the Carolinians were appealing to 
the King to oust the Proprietors and let them come under 
the royal government, the Proprietors were urging in every 
way in their power that they be allowed to continue in 
charge of the province. These were the anomalous condi- 
tions existing in the year 1719. 

76. The Colonists Govern Themselves. In the meantime, 
the South Carolinians were governing themselves as they 
saw fit. Laws were enacted encouraging white servants to 
come to the country so that they would have a greater white 
force to protect them from the Indians. They made pro- 
visions for taking care of their poor and laid a tax on the 
importation of liquors and merchandise to raise money for 
their needs. 

77. The Proprietors Dissolve the Assembly. Governor 
Johnson had been so successful and so courageous in his 
expedition against the pirates that the people, in their 
gratitude, made a serious effort to adjust their differences 
with the Proprietors whom he represented. The Assembly 
voted to pay back quit rents. It revised the election laws 
of the province and provided for the paying of the debts 
incurred in the pirate expeditions. 



The History of South Carolina. 61 

In the midst of this legislation an arbitrary order came 
from the Proprietors to repeal all laws that had been passed 
by the Assembly and to dissolve it. Governor Johnson 
realized that this would be the wrong time to dissolve the 
Assembly because in repealing the laws that it had passed, 
the debts would be left unpaid. He decided to send a mes- 
senger to England to lay the case before the Proprietors 
and ask them not to dissolve the Assembly at this time. 
The messenger was also to tell them that the people were 
friendlier than they had ever been in their attitude towards 
the Proprietors. 

78. Reception of the Messenger. The messenger was 
received with scant courtesy by the Proprietors. They 
wrote Governor Johnson reprimanding him for not obeying 
their orders and demanding that he dissolve the Assembly 
at once and call a new one. 

79. Indignation of Colonists. In dissolving the Assembly 
so arbitrarily the Proprietors had pulled down the last prop 
of their government. The people were justly enraged. 
From continual fighting and hardship they had become so 
independent and self-reliant that they had no fear of the 
Proprietors who had governed them selfishly and indiffer- 
ently for fifty years. Few promises had been kept; their 
laws had been unreasonably repealed, and no assistance had 
been given them when they needed it most. The South 
Carolinians had been left to protect themselves against their 
enemies, and now they felt that they were strong enough to 
protect themselves against the unjust exactions of the 
Proprietors. 

80. Action of the New Assembly. It was found that the 
new Assembly was quite as indignant against the Proprietors 
as the old. It refused to recognize the repeal of the laws 
passed by the old Assembly and wrote a letter to the Gov- 
ernor in which he was told that the people as a whole had 




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Oath of Attestation Taken by Delegates to the Convention of 1719 
Which Overthrew the Lords Proprietors, 



The History of South Carolina. 63 

decided to throw off the oppressive yoke of the Proprietors 
and come under the protection of the King. Because of the 
love and affection they bore him they then asked Governor 
Johnson to continue governing them in the name of the 
King. 

81. Governor Johnson Refuses to Become a Royal 
Governor. In reply to this letter from the Assembly, Governor 
Johnson informed the members that as be held office under 
a commission from the Proprietors he could not countenance 
any movement for their overthrow, and further stated that 
he would do all in his power to uphold their authority. 

82. People Proclaim Their Own Governor. The Assembly 
resolved itself into a convention, renounced allegiance to 
the Proprietors, declared allegiance to the crown, and 
proclaimed James Moore governor of South Carolina. 
They elected their own officers and then sent Colonel John 
Barnwell to England to tell the King of their action and to 
beg him to take the province under his protection. 

The Lords Proprietors were now taught a lesson that a 
people removed three thousand miles from the presence of 
their rulers, can neither be protected by their care nor long 
enfeebled by their exactions. No longer able to protect 
them nor enforce obedience from them, the Proprietors 
sold their shares in Carolina to the King and thereupon 
South Carolina became a Royal Province. 

83. The Making of South Carolina. The fifty years during 
which the Proprietors ruled the English province represent 
South Carohna in the making. The three ships with barely 
200 passengers which had sailed up the Ashley in 1670, de- 
positing their little group of settlers on the edge of a dense 
forest inhabited by savage Indians, had brought such a 
courageous and hardy group of colonizers that fifty years 
later we find South Carolina a prosperous province of nearly 
20,000 people. 



64 The History of South Carolina. 

The Carolinians had fought continually with the Spaniards; 
had subdued the Indians and driven the pirates from the 
coast without outside assistance. Furthermore, they had 
been unbearably hampered in their home affairs by un- 
reasonable interference of the Proprietors. In spite of all 
these drawbacks, the people had built churches, schools, and 
libraries in Charles Town, and had made settlements all 
over the lower part of the province. Out of the 10,000 white 
inhabitants they had a militia force of over 1,000. They had 
built ships and had developed a lucrative trade with many 
parts of the globe. They raised the best rice in the world 
with their slave labor, and besides rice, which was their 
chief agricultural export, they exported deer skins, pork, 
beef, butter, lumber, pitch, tar, turpentine, and a little silk. 
During these fifty years the Carolinians had built up a 
system of laws for their government and had become so 
confident in their strength that by the year 1719 they were 
able to overthrow the rule of the Proprietors. We may no 
longer think of them as a struggling, helpless band of pioneers, 
for with the beginning of the Royal government, they have 
become a sturdy, independent people, a small nation in 
itself with separate ties and interests of its own — a valiant 
little people whom we speak of now not as colonists but as 
South Carolinians. 



II. 

SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER THE 
ROYAL GOVERNMENT 



CHAPTER VII. 
EXPANSION UNDER THE RULE OF THE KING. 

84. Arrival of the First Royal Governor. In 1721, two 
years after the people of South CaroUna sent John Barnwell 
to inform King George I that they wished South Carolina 
to be made a royal province, directly under the Crown's 
government, General Francis Nicholson was sent out by the 
Crown as the first royal governor. He was received by the 
people with extravagant expressions of joy. Political unrest 
in the province was at an end for a time. All felt that with 
the royal protection discords would cease and prosperity 
would ensue. Governor Nicholson called a new Assembly 
which set itself to passing laws for the well-being of the 
province. Election laws were revised, the courts reorganized, 
trade with the Indians and slave trade regulated, agents 
sent to London to lay certain petitions before the King for 
the betterment of the province, and a fort built on the Alta- 
maha river for protection from hostile Indians. 

85. The New Government. The change from the pro- 
prietary to the royal government produced its natural ef- 
fects, in temporarily harmonizing the several parties in the 
province. These had all substantially arisen from the popu- 
lar impatience at a foreign control which did not recognize 
their claims as citizens competent to manage their own 
affairs. 

The government now conferred on South Carolina was 
modeled on that of the British constitution. It consisted of 
a governor, a Council, and a Commons House, with the power 
of making their own laws. The King appointed the governor 
and delegated to him his constitutional authority. The 
Council, also appointed by the King, was to advise with the 
governor, and assist in legislation, while the Commons 



68 The History of South Carolina. 

House of Assembly like the English House of Commons 
was elected by the people, and constituted the guardian of 
their rights, liberties, lives, and property. The governor 
could convene, prorogue, or dissolve the Assembly, and had 
a veto on the Acts of the Assembly with other powers. But 
even after acts had received his assent, they must be trans- 
mitted to Great Britian, for the King's approval, though 
still obligatory as laws until his decision was made known. 
This new government was a vast improvement upon the 
old. The people were satisfied with it. They were not 
yet prepared for anything more liberal; not yet ready to 
quarrel with a government which, though still foreign, had 
proved so satisfactory to their ancestors and brethren in 
Great Britain. 

86. More Trouble with the Yemassees. After three years 
Governor Nicholson retired, and, following royal instructions, 
Mr. Arthur Middleton, the President of the Council, took 
his place. During his administration much trouble with the 
Indians occurred. The fort on the Altamaha was burned and 
the southern frontier of South Carolina left open to the 
Yemassees, who, incited by the Spaniards, the ancient 
enemies of the South Carohnians, were continually making 
raids into the province from Florida, stealing, scalping, and 
running off slaves, and then retiring as quickly as they had 
come. These raids caused so much damage that Governor 
Middleton sent an expedition of 300 men into Florida. The 
Carolinians marched down the peninsula, burning and de- 
stroying everything in their path. This put an end for a 
time to the Yemassee depredations. 

87. Danger from the French. Although the French had 
never again attempted since the time of Ribault's settlement 
to establish a colony in South Carolina they had made 
settlements on the Mississippi River. The French were 
hostile to the Enghsh and, from their settlements in the 



The History of South Carolina. 69 

west, were constantly inciting the Indians against them. 
The great Cherokee nation which lived in the upper part of 
South Carolina was friendly to the English. The French, 
accordingly, made great efforts to alienate it, as well as 
many other Indian tribes, from this affection. Governor 
Middleton sent agents to live among the Cherokees to 
counteract this French influence and to discover and guard 
against any schemes and plottings set going by the French. 
The middle and upper parts of the province were in pos- 
session of the redskins who were restless, capricious and 
jealous, prowling about the white settlements continually, 
thus making it very necessary that friendly relations with 
them should be preserved. 

88. Political Turmoil. Meanwhile all was not at peace in 
Charles Town. The Council, the Commons House, and the 
Governor could not agree. Trouble arose over issuing more 
paper money. Old party feeling, sunk for a time in the 
rejoicing at the overthrow of the Proprietors, again appeared. 
Governor Middleton dissolved the Commons House six times, 
calling new sittings. The mass of the people were behind the 
Commons House whose will finally prevailed. In this, the 
first issue joined by the people and the royal government, the 
will of the former prevailed. The peace which the King's 
rule had promised at first had not been stronger than the 
old dissensions of proprietary days. 

89. Disasters in the Province. The summer of 1728 was 
marked by disasters in Charles Town, the growing metropo- 
lis of South Carolina. The season had been one of extreme 
drouth, followed by a dreadful hurricane in August, which 
threatened, for a time, the destruction of the town. The 
streets were inundated; the inhabitants found refuge in 
their upper stories. Twenty-three ships were driven ashore, 
most of which were destroyed. The storm was followed by 
pestilence. Yellow fever swept off multitudes. All fled who 




a 



M 



The History of South Carolina. 71 

could. The planters sent no supplies to town, and there 
was imminent danger of death from famine, as well as from 
the disease. So great was the mortality that it was not 
always found easy to procure the ordinary assistance for the 
burial of the dead. 

Disasters so terrible and frequent might well have dis- 
couraged the hope and enterprise of the city, but the people 
of those days were possessed of an admirable elasticity of 
character, and, after each shock, they shook themselves 
free of its terrors, and resumed their toil with the vigor 
which had so often saved them from even harder fortune. 

90. The Cherokee Country. Beyond the settlements 
which had been made on the Ashley, the Edisto and the 
Savannah rivers and beyond other little settlements dotted 
along the Low-Country was a vast territory — a country of 
mountains and plains, forests and cane-brakes — over which 
a great nation of Indians, the Cherokees, held sway. The 
Cherokees were the most powerful of the Indian tribes in 
the province. In stature, these Indians were only of medium 
size, but strong and well made. They wore a small tuft of 
hair on the tops of their heads, and dressed principally in 
skins of animals. They were eager and untiring in their 
hunting and ceaselessly roamed the woods in their wars. 

91. The Pioneers of the Back Country. Into this wild 
territory which the Low-Country settlers called the ''Back 
Country", three classes of men had penetrated. During the 
first years of the settlement on the Ashley, hunters had made 
their way through the Cherokee lands and while they did 
not settle they made friends with the Indian tribes and thus 
opened the way for the settlement of the country now known 
as the Piedmont section. The most romantic class of pio- 
neers into this country were the Indian traders, shrewd, 
fearless men who carried their packs through the mountains, 
established regular routes of trade with the Indians and, 



72 The History of South Carolina. 

creating a desire among them for the luxuries of civiUzation, 
made them dependent upon the EngHsh. These traders 
learned the language of the Indians, intermarried with them 
and settled among them, some having as many as seventy 
children and grandchildren. In the wake of the hunters 
and traders came the cattle drivers. These established cow 
pens all through the wilderness. First they built a great 
pen for the stock and then around the pen erected log huts 
for their own use. These little openings in the forests 
formed the nuclei for later settlements. An instance of this 
is the establishment of a cow pen in 1740 six miles from the 
present site of Winnsboro. 

92. Embassy to the Cherokees. In 1730 an interesting 
embassy was taken to the mountain country of the Chero- 
kees. At the head of this expedition was Sir Alexander 
Cumming. 

Three hundred miles from Charles Town, in the chief 
town of Keowee, they met their principal warriors and head 
men; were well received, and assisted at the installation of 
some of their chiefs. Six of the leading men of the Indians, 
among whom was the young chief Attakullakulla (Little 
Carpenter), who was ever after to remain friendly to the 
South Carolinians, accompanied him to England, where they 
proved to be objects of the most curious interest to both 
court and people. The King told them that "he took it 
kindly that the great nation of Cherokees had sent them so 
far to brighten the chain of friendship between his and 
theirs." 

The treaty which followed this interview was pronounced, 
by both parties, to be one which should endure while the 
rivers continued to run, the mountains to stand, and the 
sun to shine. The Cherokee orator, made a reply to the 
King in the figurative language of his people. 

*'We are come hither," he said, ''from a mountainous 



The History of South Carolina. 73 

place, where all is darkness; we are now in a place where all 
is light. We love the great King; we look upon him as the 
sun. He is our father; we are his children. Though you are 
white and we are red, our hearts and hands are joined to- 
gether. In war we shall be one with you. Your enemies 
shall be ours; your people and ours shall be one, and shall 
live together; your white people shall build their houses 
beside us. We shall not do them hurt, for we are children 
of one father." 

He laid down a bunch of eagle feathers, adding: ''These 
stand for our words; they are the same to us as letters in a 
book to you. To your beloved men we deliver these feathers 
to stand for all that we have said." 

93. The Second Royal Governor. In 1730, Robert Johnson, 
who, it will be remembered, was the last of the governors 
under the regime of the Proprietors, was invested with the 
royal commission for the executive office of the province. 
He had been faithfully tenacious of the rights and claims of 
the Proprietors, and this in opposition to the people; but 
these latter found no fault with him now for his fidelity to 
his previous employers. He brought with him the Cherokee 
chiefs who had been carried to England. 

94. Plan for Encouraging Immigration. Growth in popula- 
tion was still, however, the great object of the British govern- 
ment. The increase, though large and rapid in South Caro- 
lina, was yet only relatively so. The settlements were still 
very small and far between. One plan adopted by the 
King's advisers for more speedily filling up the vacant places 
in the province, was to establish townships, each of 20,000 
acres, in square plats, along the banks of rivers — the land 
being divided into shares of fifty acres for each new settler — 
man, woman or child. Eleven of these townships, on this 
plan, were thus established by the Assembly in 1730; two 
on the Altamaha, two on the Savannah, and one on each of 



74 The History of South Carolina. - 

the rivers Peedee, Santee, Edisto, Black, Waccamaw, Con- 
garee, and Wateree. 

In consequence of contracts made by the British govern- 
ment with John Peter Purry, an enterprising Swiss gentleman, 
several settlements were made in the lower part of the 
province. A colony of Swiss established the town and 
township of Purrysburgh on the Savannah river in 1732. 
Another colony of Swiss settled the town and township of 
Orangeburgh on the Edisto river in 1735. To these were 
later added some few settlers from the Palatinate of Germany. 
An Irish colony arrived and was given the township of 
Williamsburgh on the Black river in 1732. About the same 
time a party of Welsh from Pennsylvania settled in the 
country watered by the Peedee river and some Scotch in 
other parts of the territory. Emigrants from Virginia settled 
in various parts of the middle country of the province. 

95. Prosperous Times. Governor Johnson was an excel- 
lent and competent officer. He knew the wants of the pro- 
yince, the character of the people, the resources of the 
country, and the influences which might endanger its peace. 
His measures were all taken with moderation and wisdom. 
New privileges were conferred upon the people, calculated 
to encourage agriculture and enlarge the fields of trade. Old 
restraints upon rice and shipping were taken off. A discount 
was allowed upon hemp. The arrears of quit-rents were 
remitted by the crown. Bills of credit were issued to the 
amount of ^77,000, and seventy pieces of cannon were sent 
by the King for various forts. An independent company of 
foot was allowed for the defence of the province and ships 
of war were stationed along the coast. These benefits and 
privileges were gratifying to the popular mind and increased 
the general prosperity. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SLAVERY AND COLONIZATION. 

96. Slavery and the Fundamental Constitutions. Before 
the first English colony had set foot on CaroUna soil, John 
Locke, the philosopher and secretary to Lord Ashley, had 
incorporated into the Fundamental Constitutions a pro- 
vision regarding slavery in the new province. ''Every free- 
man of Carolina," he wrote, ''shall have absolute power and 
authority over his negro slaves, of what opinion or religion 
soever." There was thus no question as to the introduction 
of slavery into South Carolina. William Sayle, the first g:over- 
nor, had brought slaves with him in coming to the province, and 
the clearing of the forests and the first planting of the crops, 
it will be remembered, had been accompUshed with the aid 
of slave labor. 

Negro slaves at this time were regarded merely as merchan- 
dise. Their status was decided by the courts of England. 
In the early stages of the Royal Government, an Act was 
passed granting to his Majesty, King George, a duty on 
"negroes, liquors, and other goods and merchandise," thus 
showing that the status of the slave was that of any article 
of merchandise. 

97. The Church of England and Slavery. A question 
arose about converting the negro slaves to Christianity. It was 
argued by some that baptism of slaves would mean freedom. 
Much controversy ensued. The Church of England settled 
the matter in 1727 by declaring that the freedom which 
baptism gave meant a freedom from the bondage of sin, 
and did not affect a slave's condition of servitude. This 
decision gave fresh impetus to the importation of slaves 
into South Carolina. 

98. English Merchants Encourage Slavery. The mer- 



76 The History of South Carolina. 

chants of London, Bristol and Liverpool looked lovingly 
upon the brisk and flourishing settlement between the 
Ashley and the Cooper, because it represented a great 
source of wealth to them. These merchants poured in hun- 
dreds of African slaves into the province for cultivating the 
fields and shipped cargoes ^of manufactures for supplying 
the plantations. This vast increase of slaves opened great 
areas for cultivation. In 1724, in exchange for 439 slaves 
and i^500,000 worth of goods and manufactures, the EngUsh 
merchants received from South Carolina L8,000 barrels of 
rice, 52,000 barrels of pitch, tar and turpentine, beside " 
great quantities of furs, deerskins, and silk. Between 1724 
and 1735 about 17,000 negro slaves were imported. As 
these arrived, lands in the province greatly increased in 
value. 

99. Influx of Negroes Causes Anxiety. As early as 1714, 
this great increase of negroes in the province in proportion 
to the whites was remarked with anxiety. With the recol- 
lection of a sporadic negro uprising under the Proprietors 
fresh in their minds, it was considered so unsafe that an 
Act was passed in the Assembly placing a duty on slave 
importation. This was intended to act as a prohibition. 
In 1724, however, in spite of this prohibitory legislation, the 
slave population numbered 32,000 and the white only 14,000. 
The negroes were trebling and the whites not doubhng. 
Encouraged by the EngHsh merchants, the South Caro- 
linians were running into debt to buy slaves, induced by 
the prospect of wealth which their labor represented. The 
slaves were paid for with rice on easy terms. 

100. Negro Uprising of 1739. It was soon found that the 
fears regarding the large negro population were not ground- 
less. A negro uprising occured which filled the whites with 
consternation. The Spaniards in Florida had for a long 
time kept emissaries in the province of South Carolina for 



The History of South Carolina. 77 

the purpose of inducing negro slaves and Indians to join 
the ranks of the Spanish army. In 1739, the blacks, insti- 
gated by these emissaries, assembled at Stono, and rose in 
revolt against the whites. Marching in the direction of 
Florida, they plundered, burned and massacred as they 
went, and compelled all negroes at the plantations on the 
way to fall into their ranks. 

Governor Bull met the negro squads without being seen 
himself. He rode into the thickets and by a wide circuit 
eluded them. He spread alarm as he went and hastened 
to muster his forces. 

The report reached the Willtown Church (Presbyterian), 
when a numerous congregation was assembled for public 
worship. It was, fortunately, the custom of the planters — 
a custom counselled by experience and enforced by law — 
to carry their arms with them, on all such occasions. 

The congregation, accordingly, was easily organized from 
a company of worshipers into a stout band of rangers and 
riflemen. Leaving their women and children in the church, 
the men sallied forth, under the conduct of Captain Bee, 
and took the direct route to the revolted slaves. They 
found no difficulty in tracking them to their camp; and came 
upon the miserable negroes carousing over the liquors which 
they had found by the way. They had halted in an open 
field, singing and dancing. 

In this condition, to overcome them was an easy task. 
Dividing his force into two squads, Bee attacked with one, 
while the other closed the avenues of escape. Cato, the 
leader of the slaves, and a number more were killed outright; 
the rest, dispersed in the woods, endeavored to steal back 
to the plantations which they had deserted. The surviving 
ringleaders suffered death, while the greater number received 
mercy. 




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The History of South Carolina. 79 

101. The Slave Code Revised. The slave code of South 
Carolina had been taken from the Barbadian statute and 
had been several times revised. As we have seen, duties 
had been laid upon the importation of negro slaves so as to 
discourage the bringing of them into the province, the fact 
that they so outnumbered the whites being deemed a menace. 
After the black uprising of 1739 the slave code was again 
revised. The new laws were not made more severe on account 
of the recent revolt. To the contrary, they ameliorated the 
condition of the slaves. Penalties were imposed upon any 
person requiring his slaves to work on Sunday; the selling 
of whiskey to them was forbidden; proper food and clothing 
were required to b» provided for them; and cruelty to them 
was prohibited. Also, importation of slaves was again dis- 
couraged by the placing of duties upon them. \ 

102. Christianizing the Slaves. A large number of* the 
negro slaves were Africans just emerging from the savage 
state. They were uncivilized, full of idolatry and super- 
stition, and it was found exceedingly difficult to Christianize 
them. The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 
Foreign Parts, in England, made strenuous efforts through 
their missionaries to spread the Gospel among the slaves, 
even going so far as to purchase slaves and instruct them 
that they might in their turn teach others of their race. 
This society reported that the mistresses of the large planta- 
tions in South Carolina as early as 1711 instructed their 
servants as well as their children in the principles of religion. 

103. Colonizing of Georgia. It had been long planned to 
put a barrier between South Carolina and Florida by es- 
tabhshing a colony in what is now the State of Georgia. It 
will be remembered that this country was peopled by the 
Apalachian Indians who had been subdued under the Pro- 
prietary government by James Moore James Edward 
Oglethorpe, a member of the English Parliament, much 



80 The History of South Carolina. 

interested in reform, at this time petitioned the King for a 
grant of land in America for the purpose of establishing a 
refuge for the debtors and criminals of England. The terri- 
tory which had been occupied by the Apalachians was 
granted to him. In 1733, Oglethorpe arrived in Charles 
Town with his little colony. Colonel William Bull accom- 
panied him to Port Royal and from there across the Savan- 
nah river where they selected a site for a town which they 
named Savannah. Slaves were lent by the Carolinians for 
the building of the town; rice for planting, horses, cattle, sheep, 
and hogs were donated, and liberal assistance was given 
the new colony in every way. Governor Johnson himself 
presented the colony with seven horses. 

104. Death of Governor Johnson. Upon the death of 
Governor Johnson, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Broughton 
succeeded to the administration of the government. During 
his administration there was growing trouble between the 
Commons House and the Council. The Commons House 
declared itself to possess the same prerogatives as the Com- 
mons of England. The Council called itself the House of 
Lords, at which assumption the Commons House jeered and 
refused to regard it save as an advisory board to the governor. 
While the Commons House was composed entirely of pro- 
vincials, the Council had a majority of Englishmen who had 
bought their places, it was said. This was naturally pro- 
ductive of much ill will and dissatisfaction in the province. 

105. Expedition to St. Augustine. Upon Broughton's 
death, William Bull, senior member of the Council, took 
over the administration of the government During his 
term of office hostihties again broke out with the Spaniards 
in Florida who had begun to harry the new settlement at 
Savannah. White and Indian troops were raised in South 
Carolina to join an expedition under General Oglethorpe. 
These troops were despatched to St Augustine. Through 



The History of South Carolina. 81 

poor management and ill luck, however, General Oglethorpe 
failed to capture the town, and the expedition proved wholly 
fruitless. 

106. Fire in Charles Town. In 1740, a desolating j&re 
broke out in Charles Town in which fully one-half of the 
city was destroyed. 300 houses were burnt; several lives 
were lost, and numerous famiUes utterly ruined. The loss 
was immense in foreign goods and provincial commodities. 
The British Parliament voted /20,000 for the relief of the 
city. 

And here, it may be well to say that, thus far, England 
had showed herself a nobly nursing mother of the province. 
Under the two first Georges, indeed, the colonists had little 
of which to complain — much for which to be grateful. Lands 
were granted at cheap rates; there were no tithes to be paid, 
and taxation was nominal. England was sufficiently com- 
pensated by the colonial trade and produce. British manu- 
factures were obtained at moderate rates. Arms and am- 
munition, men and money, were provided for the public 
defense; and, in all respects, no contrast could be more com- 
plete, no difference more grateful, to the people themselves, 
than that between the government of the Proprietary lords, 
and that of the English crown. 

107. The Third Royal Governor Arrives. In 1743, James 
Glen arrived in the province with his royal commission as 
governor. He had received his commission five years before, 
but delayed his coming to Carolina. Soon after his arrival, 
he wrote back to England that he was concerned at finding 
such an independent spirit prevalent in the province and 
that he could not but believe that conditions would be 
happier if the South Carolinians were more dependent on 
the mother country. Governor Glen had come out with 
expectations of possessing great authority and was disap- 
pointed with the discovery that the people were governing 



82 The History of South Carolina. 

themselves and that the office of governor did not confer 
upon its possessor the unHmited power for which he had 
hoped. The high offices, it was true, were filled by appointees 
of the crown who came out from England — never by natives 
of the province — but the Assembly, composed of South 
Carolinians, either had, or assumed, the power to hold these 
royal placemen in check. 

108. Cyclone in Charles Town. It was during Governor 
Glen's administration that Charles Town, twelve years after 
the great fire, was nearly destroyed by a hurricane (1752). 
The city was only saved from being utterly swallowed up 
in the seas by a providential change of wind. Within ten 
minutes after the wind had shifted, the water fell five feet. 
But for this merciful dispensation, every inhabitant of 
Charles Town might have perished. Many were drowned; 
many more hurt or endangered; the wharves and fortifica- 
tions were demolished; the crops growing in the fields were 
destroyed; vast numbers of cattle perished, and the trees 
and gardens of the town were ruined. The city emerged 
from the waters a wreck, which it required a long time of 
prosperity to repair. 

This event, as a matter of course, seriously retarded the 
growth of the city. 

109. The Geography of South Carolina. By this time the 
boundaries of South Carolina had been definitely fixed. 
One of the most potent influences in the history of South 
Carolina was her geography and physical characteristics. 
Within her area of 30,000 square miles the inhabitants 
could pass from the low, swampy, coastal section through 
her rising uplands to the mountainous regions of the Southern 
Appalachian highlands. Lying between the 32 and 35 
north latitudes the healthiness of her temperate climate was 
noted even by the early settlers on the coast. South Caro- 
lina is shaped like an isosceles triangle — the equal sides 



The History of South Carolina. 83 

being on the north, the boundary Une of North CaroHna, 
and on the south and west, the Savannah river separating it 
from Georgia. The apex of the triangle rests upon the 
summit of the Blue Ridge Mountains at their extreme 
southern end, while the base, sweeping with a gentle shaped 
curve from the southwest to northeast, forms a part of the 
Atlantic shore line of America. 

According to its topography, South Carolina has several 
distinct physical divisions. The coast extends for one hun- 
dred and ninety miles and is intersected by numerous inlets, 
creeks, and marshes, dividing this coastal region into numbers 
of islands. Gradually rising from the fringe of islands comes 
the lower pine belt, about fifty miles wide, with an elevation 
of about 130 feet. Here we find the fertile rice fields, tur- 
pentine farms, cattle ranges, and the picturesque grey moss. 
In the upper pine belt, from twenty to fifty miles wide, with 
an elevation of from 130 to 250 feet, grows the long leaf 
pine, mixed with oak and hickory. Next comes the red hill 
region from 300 to 600 feet high, with its soil of red clay 
and sand and its heavy growth of oak and hickory. Rising 
to an elevation of 700 feet, comes the remarkable chain of 
sand hills. This big and healthy sand hill region forms the 
lower border of crystalline rocks. Beyond these, what is 
known now as the Piedmont Section, with its various clay 
and sandy soils, reaches a maximum elevation of 800 feet, 
and extends to the extreme northwest boundary of South 
Carolina, where it culminates in a small Alpine region, 
more broken and mountainous in character and greater in 
elevation, ranging from 900 to 3,430 feet. 

The belt of crystalline rocks divides South Carolina into 
what became generally known as the "Low-Country" and 
the "Up-Country" — a distinction which affected the settle- 
ment, development and even the language of the people. 
From the Up-Country four river systems flow toward the 



84 The History of South Carolina. 

ocean — the Peedee, the Santee, the Edisto, and the Savan- 
nah. The first three are deflected by the crystalHne rocks 
into a sharp southeasterly course, and furnish abundant 
water power for industries in the Up- Country. Below the 
sand hills they are usually navigable, grow broader and 
more leisurely as they reach the ocean. It was at the mouths 
of these rivers that the first settlements were made. 

110. The Peopling of the Up-Country. Soon after the 
middle of the eighteenth century many people from Virginia 
and other provinces to the northward emigrated to South 
CaroHna. Most of them came from Virginia, but Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland, Jersey, New York, and even New England, 
contributed settlers. There was also a large influx from 
across the water. In 1764, a Prussian ofl&cer named Stumpel 
induced several hundred Germans, called Palatines, to 
leave their country and settle in South Carolina. After 
getting them as far as England he deserted the colony, 
leaving them penniless and helpless in a strange country. 
Public subscriptions were taken up, the King granted them 
permission to settle in South Carolina, and two vessels were 
provided for their transportation. Orders were sent to 
Governor Boone to provide for them. Governor Boone, at 
odds with the General Assembly, was able to do nothing, 
but after his departure for England, Lieutenant Governor 
Bull again assumed the reins of government and provision 
was immediately made for the Germans. They made a 
settlement on Hard Labor Creek, in what is now Abbeville 
County. 

An Irish colony settled Hillsborough Township on Stevens 
Creek in the present Edgefield County and a French Pro- 
testant colony settled New Bordeaux, in the present Abbeville 
County, in 1764. One of the earliest settlements was made 
on Long Cane Creek in the present Abbeville County by 
the Calhoun family, from Augusta County, Virginia, in 
February, 1756. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE CHEROKEE WAR. 

111. Forts in the Cherokee Country. The South Caro- 
Hnians were at peace with the Cherokees after the treaty 
made with them by Sir Alexander Gumming in 1730. Every 
effort was made to keep this peace, as the Cherokees, with 
their several thousand gunmen, constituted a very formida- 
ble enemy when aroused. This nation had for several years 
prior to 1753 been urging Governor Glen to erect a fort 
near their principal town, Keowee, as a protection to the 
Indian trade. In October, 1753, Governor Glen made a 
trip to the Cherokee Nation and purchased a tract of several 
thousand acres of land on the Keowee river opposite the 
town^ upon which he immediately erected a fort which was 
called Fort Prince George. Later, another fort, named 
Fort Loudoun, was built on the Tennessee river, about 500 
miles from Charles Town. These strongholds were garri- 
soned by regular troops. 

112. Cherokees Resentful. At this time France and Eng- 
land were at war. This meant that the war was fought in 
America as well as in Europe. The fighting had been car- 
ried on for three years in the north, and South Carolina 
sent troops in 1758 to assist the English. Among these 
troops were some Indian chiefs from the Cherokee Nation. 
Attakullakulla, the chief who had accompanied Sir Alexander 
Gumming to England in 1730, was one of the number. 
With the fickleness of the Indian, he and nine other war- 
riors deserted the expedition on the way and were making 
their way homeward when they were arrested, disarmed 
and brought back. They showed no open resentment at 
their capture. Another party of Cherokees deserted the 
expedition some time later and on their return trip through 



86 The History of South Carolina. 

North Carolina committed murders and reached their towns 
of Settiquo and Telliquo with twenty-two scalps. A third 
party of Cherokees, having lost their horses, stole a number 
of horses from whites as they passed through the back parts 
of Virginia. These men pursued the Indians and killed ten 
or twelve of them. This treatment aroused the bitterest 
resentment among the Cherokees, which resentment, fo- 
mented by the French emissaries who were always ready to 
make capital out of any ill feehng against the English, 
brought on a massacre of the whites along the border settle- 
ments. 

113. Governor Lyttelton's Bad Policy. Governor Glen was 
succeeded in 1756 by WiUiam Henry Lyttelton, a man of 
very little tact and judgment, who became the means of 
bringing South Carolina into a terrible war with the power- 
ful Cherokees. Upon hearing of the massacres by the 
Indians, Governor Lyttelton demanded that the murderers 
should be delivered up to be put to death. The commander 
of Fort Loudoun called for the surrender of the chiefs of 
Settiquo and Telliquo, and the commander at Fort Prince 
George intercepted ammunition which was on its way to the 
Cherokees. The old men of the Cherokees, among whom 
was Attakullakulla opposed war, but the young men grasped 
the tomahawk, "the warriors spoke much together concern- 
ing Telliquo and Settiquo, and hostile speeches were sent 
around." 

So many of the Cherokee chiefs were anxious to avoid 
war that through the Governor of Georgia a ''talk" was 
arranged between them and Governor Lyttelton. About 
thirtj chiefs, among whom was Oconostota, who had also 
gone to England in 1730, went to Charles Town. The 
Indian chiefs wished to tell the Governor that it was only 
the young Indians, the ''red sticks", who had committed the 
murders and who wished for war. Governor Lyttelton, it 



The History of South Carolina. 87 

seemed, was determined to have war. He refused to hear 
the chiefs and treated them with great indignity. WilUam 
Bull and other members of the Council, who were more 
familiar with Indian affairs than the governor and who 
understood better the Indian nature, urged Governor 
Lyttelton to hear the chiefs, but he was obdurate. The 
chiefs were of course indignant at this treatment. 

113. Governor Lyttelton's Expedition. In October, 1759, 
Governor Lyttelton, accompanied by the returning chiefs, 
whom he promised safe conduct to the Cherokee country, 
set out upon his expedition against the Cherokees. A 
rendezvous was appointed at the Congarees, near the present 
site of Columbia, and here gathered many prominent men 
of the province. Among these were Christopher Gadsden, 
William Moultrie and Francis Marion, whom we shall hear 
of in subsequent chapters. About 1,500 men gathered at 
the Congarees. After leaving the Congarees the Indian 
chiefs, though they had been promised safe conduct, were 
treated as prisoners and carefully guarded. Upon arriving 
at Fort Prince George, they were imprisoned in a miserable 
little hut which was not large enough for half their number. 

By this time Governor Lyttelton reahzed that his small, 
untrained force was not sufficient to begin a war with the 
Cherokees. He sent a messenger to AttakuUakuUa to meet 
him at Fort Prince George, whereupon he informed the old 
chief that he would carry on the war if the Indian murderers 
were not given up. Oconostota was released to help Atta- 
kuUakuUa bring in the murderers. Several of the offenders 
were surrendered, but the chiefs found it impossible to 
surrender all of them. In December, 1759, a treaty was made 
signed by AttakuUakuUa, Oconostota and four others. By 
this treaty it was agreed that the Indian chiefs who were 
imprisoned at Fort Prince George should be held until an 
equal number of Indian murderers should be given up. 



88 



The History of South Carolina. 



Lyttelton returned to Charles Town in January, 1760. 
His conduct with the Indians was most dishonorable. He 
had broken his word after promising the chiefs safe conduct. 
A treaty of peace had been made by which war was averted, 
but the peace was not for long. 

115. Cherokees on War Path. Soon after Governor 
Lyttelton's return to Charles Town fourteen South Caro- 
linians were killed by the Cherokees within a mile of Fort 




Grave of Mrs. Catherine Calhoun, Grandmother of John C. Calhoun, at the 
Site of the Indian Massacre at Long Canes on February 1, 1760. 

Prince George. Fort Prince George was next beseiged by a 
large force under Oconostota, who, by the governor's treat- 
ment, had become an implacable enemy of the province. 
The commander of the fort was enticed outside on the 
pretense of a conference and killed, and the two lieutenants 
who were with him were wounded. The garrison in retalia- 
tion fell upon the Indian hostages and butchered them. 
This meant war. There were few men of the Cherokee 
Nation who had not lost a friend or relative by the massacre 



"> 



The History of South Carolina. 89 

of the hostages. They seized the hatchet, singing their 
songs of war, and, burning for revenge, they rushed down 
upon the frontiers of the province. Men, women, and child- 
ren fell victims to their merciless fury. The family of Cal- 
houns, in attempting to escape with a party of friends, were 
set upon in the Long Canes section and killed. The Indians 
fell upon them while they were making their camp for the 
night. In the darkness a few escaped, but most of the party 
were murdered. Afterwards numbers of children were found 
wandering in the woods, some fearfully cut and others 
lying on the ground scalped but still living. Patrick Calhoun, 
returning to bury the dead, found twenty bodies in the 
woods, his mother's among them, all horribly mutilated by 
the Cherokees. 

116. Expedition Against the Cherokees. In February, 1760, 
the General Assembly of South Carolina convened and 
authorized the raising of seven companies of rangers for 
the protection of the ''Back Country." Governor Lyttelton, 
humiliated at the failure of his treaty of peace, left the 
province, and Lieutenant Governor Bull, son of the former 
lieutenant governor of the same name, took over the ad- 
ministration of the government. Governor Bull called 
upon Virginia and North Carolina for assistance in the 
war and at this time seven vessels arrived in the harbor 
of Charles Town with about 1,200 troops aboard under the 
command of Colonel Montgomery. In May, these troops, 
together with the provincial companies, rendezvoused at the 
Congarees. With this force Colonel Montgomery moved to 
Ninety Six and from there to the Cherokee towns, killing 
all the Indians in their path and burning every house upon 
the way. The Indians fled to the mountains where they 
were seen gazing upon their homes in flames. At Fort 
Prince George, Colonel Montgomery summoned the upper 
and middle towns to make peace. They paid no attention 



90 The History of South Carolina. 

to his demand, so he marched through the upper towns 
into North CaroHna. At one narrow pass in North Carolina 
the Indians lay in ambush for the army. A bloody fight 
ensued in which the Indians were defeated, but Montgomery 
decided to retire and returned to Fort Prince George in 
July. He was then recalled to take part in the war which 
was still raging in the northern provinces, so he returned 
to Charles Town, from whence he sailed to New York, leav- 
ing a force of 400 men at the Congarees for the protection 
of the ''Back Country." 

117. The Capture of Fort Loudoun. During this time the 
Cherokees had been beseiging Fort Loudoun, on the Ten- 
nessee river. With the withdrawal of Montgomery the 
garrison surrendered to the Indians on the condition that 
they be allowed to return to their homes. On the next day 
the garrison was overtaken and the commander and 
twenty-six others were murdered. The rest of the garrison 
were taken prisoners. Among these was Captain John 
Stuart, of the South Carolina provincial regiment. It hap- 
pened that Captain Stuart was a close friend of Attakulla- 
kulla, who bought him from the Indian who had captured 
him and helped him to escape. Captain Stuart reported to 
Governor Bull that the Indians were planning an attack 
upon Fort Prince George. 

118. Conquering the Cherokees. Fort Prince George was 
immediately reinforced with men and supplies and an ap- 
peal for help was made to the British forces in the north. 
Lieutenant Colonel James Grant with about 1,200 men was 
sent to the aid of South Carolina. Again the regular and the 
provincial troops rendezvoused at the Congarees, and in 
May, 1761, marched in the direction of Fort Prince George. 
The expedition, which numbered about 2,600 men entered 
the Cherokee country. On the 10th of June they were 
attacked by the Indians. They darted fearlessly forward 



The History of South Carolina. 91 

to close combat with knife and tomahawk. At the end of 
three hours of fierce fighting the Cherokees were driven 
from the field. They fled fighting — grimly dehvering Iheir 
fire from every shelter in their retreat. 

The Indians were not allowed to reunite in force. The 
victory opened the way to the nation. Estatoe, one of their 
largest towns, was burned and about fifteen other towns 
shared the same fate Their granaries and cornfields were 
destroyed. The wretched families were driven to the shelter 
of the barren mountains which yielded them little food. 
They are said to have perished in large numbers. For thirty 
days the army marched into the heart of the Cherokee 
country and then returned to Fort Prince George. 

119. Peace with the Cherokees. It was not long before 
AttakuUakuUa and other chiefs of the Cherokee Nation ap- 
peared at Fort Prince George to sue for peace. They were 
given a safe conduct to Charles Town to talk with Governor 
Bull, who met the party at Ashley Ferry and received them 
with great kindness. A fire was kindled and for a long 
while they all smoked together in silence. At last AttakuUa- 
kuUa began a speech, in which he sued with great pathos 
for peace for his nation. It is said that he told Governor 
Bull that he had come to see what could be done for his 
people, that they were in great distress and that they asked for 
forgiveness. ''I believe that it has been decreed by the 
Great Master, who is above," he said. *'He is the father of 
red men and white. We all live in one land — let us live 
as one people." 

Governor Bull, satisfied that the Cherokees were suffici- 
ently humbled, granted the old chief's plea. A peace was 
made which ended the war. 



CHAPTER X. 
PROVINCIAL LIFE. 

120. Arrival of Royal Governor. In December, 1761, 
Thomas Boone arrived in the province with his commission 
as fifth royal governor of South Carohna. His administra- 
tion seemed characterized by Uttle tact. Immediately upon 
his arrival in Charles Town he objected to the manner of 
electing the Commons House, and, dissolving it, called 
another. In the new election he incurred the enmity of 
Christopher Gadsden, a prominent and popular citizen, who 
was to have a large share in the making of the history of 
South Carolina, by refusing to administer the oath to him as 
member of the Commons House on the ground that he was 
not properly elected. The Commons House, irritated by 
this action of the governor, retaliated by refusing to appro- 
priate money for salaries for the chief executive and other 
officers or to pass a tax bill. Through their agent, whom 
they still kept in London, the South Carolinians complained 
to the King of Governor Boone's arbitrary proceedings. 
Permission was sent to Governor Boone to come to England 
to lay his case before the Board of Trade. 

121. Growing Power of the Assembly. It is important to 
note the growing power of the Commons House which had 
claimed the prerogatives of the English House of Commons. 
The office of governor, except in the temporary absence of 
a royal appointee, and the majority of the places in the 
Council were not open to natives of the province, but in 
the Commons House the people took upon themselves the 
necessary authority to hold these royal officers in check. 

122. The Church in Carolina. At this time there were 
twenty parishes in the province, most of which were supplied 
with rectors or ministers. The government of South Caro- 



The History of South Carolina. 



93 



Una had been from the first bound up with the Hfe of the 
church. The immigrants to South CaroUna had been usually 
of a religious character — a great portion of whom had left 
their homes that they might not be forced to sacrifice the tenets 
of their religion. In Charles Town, St. Philip's, the Epis- 
copal church, had been the center of the growth of the 
town. In Orangeburgh there were Lutheran and Episcopal 
churches. In Abbeville there were the Huguenot churches. 




Charles Town in 1760 When the City Took Rank Second to None in 
America in Importance. 

Presbyterian churches formed the nuclei of num^ous settle- 
ments dotted over the ''Back Country." 

123. Prosperity. From the period of the Cherokee war we 
may date the true prosperity of South Carolina. Relieved 
from the fears of savage raids by the Cherokees and from 
plottings of the Spaniards and the French, its ''Back Country" 
began to fill up with settlers. Immigrants from many parts 
of Europe flocked to the interior and planted their little 
colonies on the slopes of its hills. Scarcely a ship sailed for 
any of the plantations which did not bring a quota of settlers 
to the warm and fertile region of South Carolina. 



94 The History of South Carolina. 

124. Expansion. In the year 1766 the number of white 
inhabitants in Charles Town was between five and six 
thousand; of negroes, between seven and eight thousand. 
The population of the province was but 40,000 whites; the 
whole number capable of bearing arms between seven and 
eight thousand., The negra population was between eighty 
and ninety thousand. The harbor of Charles Town was 
feebly fortified. On the Cooper River line there were several 
batteries. Fort Johnson, on James Island, was a slight work, 
with barracks for fifty men. The guns were mounted; in toler- 
able numbers, on all these forts ; but, there had been but little 
science shown in their erection, and neither fort nor town 
could have long stood bombardment. Outside of Charles 
Town, the towns were mere hamlets of the smallest size. 
Beaufort, Purrysburgh, Jacksonborough, Dorchester, Cam- 
den, Orangeburgh, and Georgetown, were inconsiderable 
villages, not one exceeding forty dwellings, and most of 
them having about twenty or thirty. 

125. At Charles Town. But, Charles Town, in that day, 
took rank, second to none, with the largest and most pros- 
perous cities of North America. The people in its precincts 
were opulent, gay, showy, and hospitable. Their sons had 
been sent to England and France for education. They 
brought back taste and refinement, as well as extravagant 
habits. Fashions in dress and ornament were rapidly trans- 
ferred from Europe. Luxury had found its way into the 
wilderness. Nearly every Charles Town family kept single 
horse chaises, and most of the principal planters carriages, 
drawn by teams of four. The horses were imported from 
Europe of good blooded stocks. The people drank fine wines of 
Madeira, and used freely, also, French, Spanish, and Portu- 
guese wines. These were commonly displayed at dinner 
parties. Tea, coffee, and chocolate were among the break- 
fast beverages, and the drink through the day was punch. 



The History of South Carolina. 



95 



The citizens of Charles Town displayed good taste in the 
polite arts, such as music, drawing fencing, and dancing. 
They were affable in their manners and exceedingly hospita- 
ble to strangers. It was said that there were few poor people in 
the province' except the idle and the unfortunate and that 
there were more people possessed of between five and ten 




Grappling With the Deer. — From Elliott's "Carolina Sports". 

thousand pounds sterling in the province than were to be 
found an}? where in America in the same number of people. 
The city resembled a bee hive, with its flourishing trade 
and commerce. The amusements in Charles Town were 
concerts, balls, and assemblies which 'Vere attended in 
companies almost equally brilliant as those of any town in 
Europe of the same size." There were also theatres where 
the leading players in America performed. In the country 



96 



The History of South Carolina. 



the sports of the field weie enjoyed on a bolder and more 
adventurous scale than in Great Britain. The planters had 
the best dogs and horses, were great riders and good shots, 
and there were foxes to be hunted and deer and bear abounded 
in great numbers. 

At this time there were more college-bred men in Charles 
Town and the Low-Country of the province of South Caro- 




Catching the Devil Fish.^ — From Elliott's ''Carolina Sports". 

hna than in all New England The Charles Town bar was 
the most accomplished in America. The literature of the 
province was distinctively imitative of that of England. 
The statesmen of South Carolina found their models among 
the parhamentary orators of the mother country. We find, 
among South CaroUna's great orators, the Rutledges, Dray- 
tons, Laurenses, Pinckneys, and Christopher Gadsden. In 
this period we also find South Carolina rich in historians, 



The History of South Carolina. 97 

among the most prominent of whom were Francis Yonge, 
Henry Laurens, WiUiam Henry Drayton, David Ramsey, 
Arthur Middleton, John Laurens, and William Moultrie. 

There were three weekly newspapers in Charles Town at 
this time, the oldest of which had been founded in 1732. 
There were also in the city good bookstores and a library 
which was furnished with all new British publications of 
value. 

126. Deep Afifection for the Mother Country. The Caro- 
linians looked with affection upon the mother country. 
South Carolina was a great source of wealth to England, 
which had a monoply of its trade, and in turn the province 
received protection from enemies and financial aid in times 
of stress. It became the fashion for wealthy natives to 
affect English manners and customs. They sent to England 
for their horses and coaches, and the ladies sent "home" for 
their millinery and finery. 

127. English Manners. The South CaroHna household 
was modeled as nearly as possible on the English household. 
The negro slaves coveted three positions in the master's 
family; butler, who had charge of the household — usually an 
ancient cotton-head darkey who aped the manners of his 
master; coachman, who had charge of the stable and who on 
state occasions drove the family coach; and patroon, who 
had charge of the boats. All the old houses of the province 
had been built on the river fronts and each of the planters 
had his little fleet of boats under the management of a 
patroon for his private use and for carrying on the work of 
the plantation. These estates, according to the English 
custom of primogeniture, were handed down to the eldest son. 

Each plantation was a little community in itself. In 
the household were numerous maids and seamstresses. In 
the fields were hundreds of slaves who tended the rice and 
indigo, which products were shipped to many parts of the 




Mrs. Roger Smith, Sister of John Rutledge, and Her Little Son, from a 
Portrait Painted by Romney While They Were in England. 



The History of South Carolina. 99 

world Each plantation was sufficient unto itself. On it 
were carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors, and shoemakers — a 
happy, well cared for, busy little community. The owners 
lived in great luxury They had their town houses in Charles 
Town from which they were able to enjoy the advantages 
of city life and to keep in touch with the political trend of 
the day. 

At this period the society of Charles Town was in a more 
developed state than that of any city in America — unless 
it was that of Philadelphia. Edmund Burke described 
St. Philip's Church, built in 1724, as exceeding any church 
in America; and said that the first theatre in America was 
in Charles Town; that the music of the St. Cecilia Society 
was the finest to be heard; that the first attempt at a public 
library was in Charles Town; that the first fire insurance 
company in America was the Friendly Society, organized 
in Charles Town in 1735; that the Fellowship Society was 
but the second attempt in America to make provision for 
lunatics; that there was a .Chamber of Commerce in the 
town as early as 1774; and that there were more newspapers 
in South Carolina in proportion to the population than in 
any other province. Charles Town it was said, of all Ameri- 
can towns, approached more nearly to the social' refinement 
of a great European capital. 

128. Contrast of the "Back Country". These bright des- 
criptions of the refinement and well developed state of civiliza- 
tion in South Carolina were only true of Charles Town and 
the Low-Country. The upper part of South Carolina, or 
the ''Back Country", as it was then called, was in a wild 
and primitive state. The small communities formed in 
this territory were merely clearings in the wilderness. While 
the inhabitants of Charles Town were living in brick houses, 
copying English manners and amusing themselves with 
horse racing, listening to the singers and pianists of the 




O l-O 



o o 






The History of South Carolina. 101 

St. Cecilia and entertaining European visitors in style and 
elegance, the people of the "Back Country" were living in 
log houses, struggling to make the simplest kind of living 
and ever on the alert to guard their families from the toma- 
hawks of the savage Indians. These country settlers were 
meeting the same hardships that the first colony on the 
coast had to encounter about ninety years previously when 
they had landed on the banks of the Ashley under Governor 
Sayle. 

Along with other hardships this ''Back Country" came 
gradually to be infested with gangs of ruffian wanderers, 
who lived by preying upon the property of the settlers of 
these regions Cattle, hog, and horse stealing were their 
regular occupations. Burglaries and murders naturally 
followed horse stealing, and there was no redress as the only 
court of justice in the province was in Charles Town, a 
great many miles distant. 

At last, tormented beyond endurance, the settlers of the 
''Back Country" took justice into their own hands. They 
organized a band of rangers, styling themselves Regulators. 
They hunted the horse thief and the burglar When caught 
they tied him to a tree and administered a flogging When 
released, the criminal was warned to disappear from the 
country within a given number of days. Thus, the hardy 
frontiersmen of the "Back Country" meted out summary 
justice. 



CHAPTER XL 

ROYAL RESTRICTIONS OF PROVINCIAL TRADE. 

129. Early Trade Restrictions HurtfuL During the Pro- 
prietary government Edward Randolph had been sent out 
by the King to look after his Majesty's customs in the Ameri- 
can colonies, and to enforce certain instructions regarding 
trade. Among these articles the shipment of which was 
restricted, were rice and indigo, the two principal exports 
of South Carolina. By these restrictions the people of the 
province were only permitted to sell their rice and indigo 
in England or in the Enghsh plantations, and having few 
ships of their own, they were compelled to use EngHsh ves- 
sels, or vessels belonging to English colonies The New 
England colonists were largely devoted to shipbuilding, 
instead of to agriculture, so the trade restrictions favored 
them while falling heavily on South Carolina. 

130. Later Restrictions Injure New England. About the 
beginning of the eighteenth century the New England ship 
building industry had grown so flourishing that England, 
wishing her own shipyards to have a monopoly, forbade the 
New Englanders to manufacture any of the necessities for 
ship building and marked all the trees large enough for masts 
with the King's arrow, which reserved them for the use of 
the crown. New England was also beginning to manufacture 
woolen goods and to make hats to such an extent as to cur- 
tail England's sales of these commodities. To remedy this 
the mother country placed a restriction which forbade the 
shipping of woolen cloth or hats abroad or even selling of 
these articles to the colonies in America. This trade restric- 
tion on manufactures was much heavier on New England 
than was the shipping restriction on rice and indigo in 
South Carolina, as the latter was at least allowed to sell 



The History of South Carolina. 103 

her products to the other EngUsh colonies as well as to Eng- 
land. This was but the beginning of New England's burdens, 
however. Every industry she established called forth a 
restricting order from the British government. This natur- 
ally led to grave discontent in the northern colonies. Under 
George II South Carolina was treated as a favorite province 
of the crown. The shipping restriction on rice was lifted, 
allowing South Carolina to sell this article to any part of 
Europe southward of Cape Finisterre. South Carohna had 
no complaint to make now of the British government, as 
having no ship building and wool industry, she did not feel 
the restrictions which fell so heavily on the northern colo- 
nies. She was withal satisfied with and loyal to the royal 
government. 

131. Cause of Dissatisfaction in South Carolina. The fact 
that the high offices in the government were not within the 
reach of young South Carolinians, who, educated in England 
and fresh from their courses at Temple Bar and eminently 
fitted to hold office, returned to the province to find that 
the high places were filled with incompetent men sent from 
England whose only motive in coming was to secure the 
salary which went with the office, was a cause of great dis- 
satisfaction. Governor Boone's unfortunate administration 
naturally increased the resentment which the people of the 
province felt toward these placemen. 

132. England's Position in Regard to Colonies. It must 
be understood that England felt perfectly justified in placing 
these restrictions upon trade. The English provinces in 
America had been planted solely for the benefit which would 
accrue to England therefrom. Slavery had been encouraged 
because it meant wealth to the merchants of England. The 
colonies were mere business ventures carried on along com- 
mercial lines with the idea of making them pay the greatest 
possible profits. England furnished the requisite capital for 



104 The History of South Carolina. 

their establishment and in turn intended getting full re- 
imbursement from the industries which the colonies de- 
veloped, reserving the power of placing whatever restrictions 
were thought fit and proper upon the trade of these colonies. 

133. The First Direct Taxation. The English colonies in 
America never questioned the right of England to place 
these restrictions upon trade, but the fact that they bur- 
dened the colonies so heavily financially aroused deep resent- 
ment and discontent as we have seen. This discontent was 
crystalized into a definite and justifiable grievance by the 
news that they were to be taxed directly in addition to pay- 
ing duties on certain products. England had gone to great 
expense to keep troops in America to protect the colonies 
from the French and Indians. In the Cherokee war South 
Carolina had received aid from the British troops in con- 
quering her foes. England now proposed that the colonies 
should pay a small tax to defray partly the expense of these 
troops. The tax was known as the Stamp Act because it 
required that all instruments of writing should be executed 
on stamped paper which was to be bought at a small price 
from royal agents in each province. 

The colonies were unanimous in their opposition to the 
Stamp Act. It was not that it imposed an exorbitant or 
unreasonable burden, but that they denied the right of 
England to tax them when they were not represented in 
the English Parliament. Also they felt that England was 
being sufficiently reimbursed for the expense she had been 
put to in the estabhshment of the colonies by the advantages 
resulting from the trade with them. The tax would estab- 
lish a precedent which would lay them liable to dangerous 
and unfair taxation and they immediately entered protest. 
The Assembly of Massachusetts declared that Massachu- 
setts would not be taxed except by its own Assembly and 
called a meeting in New York of representatives of all the 



The History of South Carolina. 



105 



provinces to discuss the subject. The General Assembly 
of South Carolina declared that South Carolina would not 
be taxed,' without her consent, and elected Thomas Lynch, 

Christopher Gadsden, 
and John Rutledge to 
represent her in the 
Congress which was to 
be held in New York 
in October, 1765 This 
was the first concerted 
action of the English 
provinces in America. 
134. Arrival of 
Stamped Paper in 
Charles Town. In Oc- 
tober, 1765, the first 
stamped paper arrived 
in Charles Town on 
the ship Planter's Ad- 
venture from London. 
The next morning in 
the central part of the 
town appeared an enor- 
mous gallows from 
which a figure was sus- 
pended supposed to 
represent a distributor 
of stamped paper. 
''Liberty and no Stamp 
Act" was written on the gallows, and on the figure was 
attached a label which ran ''Whosoever shall dare pull 
down these effigies had better have been born with a mill- 
stone about his neck and cast into the sea." No one at- 
tempted to take the figure from the gallows. 




statue of William Pitt, the English 
Statesman, Who Urged the Repeal of the 
Stamp Act. In Washington Square, 
Charleston. 



106 The History of South Carolina. 

In the days that followed a great procession, estimated 
at consisting of 2,000 persons, entered several houses in 
the town in which they thought the stamped paper had been 
stored. The courts were unable to transact business as 
all refused to use stamped paper. Finally, the distributors 
agreed to hold the paper until word could come from Eng- 
land in reply to the protest made by the colonies. 

135. At the American Congress. In the Congress which 
was being held in New York in 17j55, at the time that the 
stamped paper was arriving in Charles Town, the three 
South CaroHnians, Lynch, Gadsden, and Rutledge, took 
prominent part. One historian has written: ''Be it remem- 
bered that the blessing of Union is due to the warm-hearted- 
ness of South Carolina." The Congress presented petitions 
to the Crown, the House of Lords, and the House of Com- 
mons, in which they stated the grounds of their objections 
to the Stamp Act. These petitions set forth in almost the 
same words the resolutions which the General Assembly of 
South Carolina had adopted on receiving the news of the 
Stamp Act. The Congress adopted a non-importation and 
non-exportation agreement. 

136. Repeal of the Stamp Act. In London, William Pitt 
took the side of the colonies and argued for the repeal of 
the Stamp Act. For this service a statue was erected in 
Charles Town, which stands there today. In June, 1766, 
the Stamp Act was repealed. The news of the repeal was 
received in Charles Town with extravagant expressions of 
joy. In their gladness a celebration was announced to show 
their loyalty and gratitude to the crown. 

137. Montagu Arrives in the Province. In the same month 
of the repeal of the Stamp Act Lord Charles Greville Montagu 
arrived in Charles Town as royal governor, displacing 
Lieutenant Governor William Bull, who had administered 
the government since the retirement of Governor Boone. 



The History of South Carolina. 107 

The citizens received Governor Montagu cordially and 
celebrated his arrival with brilliant entertainments and 
many demonstrations of loyalty to England. But the exul- 
tations of the people were shortlived as duties were soon 
imposed on glass, lead, tea, and painter's colors. 

138. The Liberty Tree. In Charles Town there was a 
great oak tree, under which it grew to be the habit for men 
to gather to discuss the unjust exactions of the mother 
country. Christopher Gadsden often addressed gatherings 
under its branches and here a pledge was made to resist 
any aggressions of England. These gatherings formed a 
nucleus for an enthusiastic Liberty party, and the tree was 
subsequently known as the Liberty Tree. 

139. Justice in the "Back Country". In 1768, Governor 
Montagu embarked with his wife for a visit to Philadelphia, 
and Lieutenant Governor Bull again assumed the adminis- 
tration of the government. The ''Back Country" was then in 
a turmoil. On his return, Governor Montagu immediately 
set himself to remedying the conditions there. Many com- 
plaints had come, mostly, it was found later, from those 
whose sympathies were with the horse thieves, of the high- 
handed proceedings of the Regulators. Governor Montagu 
appointed a man named Cofill, a ruffian who was utterly 
unfit for such a position, to suppress the Regulators. Cofill 
collected a force of rough men around him, probably drawn 
from the horse thieves, and seized Regulators wherever he 
found them. Drunk with power he committed many out- 
rages. At last the settlers arose to put down the Cofillites, 
but an order from Governor Montagu, who realized his 
mistake, arrived dismissing Cofill in time to prevent blood- 
shed. Cofill was subsequently convicted of horse stealing 
himself. 



108 The History of South Carolina. 

Governor Montagu, new to the country, had made bad 
matters worse by trying to suppress the only body of Justice 
in the Up-Country from which redress of any kind could 
be obtained. This was indicative of the need of a native 
born man in the office of governor, who would be thoroughly 
familiar with the conditions of the country. 



CHAPTER XII. 
BREACH WIDENS BETWEEN KING AND CAROLINA. 

140. The Circular Letter of Massachuetts. In 1768, the 
Assembly of Massachuetts issued a circular letter to the 
Assemblies of her sister provinces, which contained a pro- 
test against the duties laid upon them by England and 
suggested a petition to the King and his ministers for redress. 
When tidings of this circular letter reached London, the 
ministry was so incensed at what they termed the rebellious 
spirit in Massachuetts that they directed the Governor of 
Massachuetts to dissolve the Assembly which had issued the 
objectionable circular letter. In the Assembly the question 
of rescinding the letter was put to a vote. Seventeen mem- 
bers voted in favor of rescinding and ninety-two against it. 
Upon this the governor dissolved the Assembly. In South 
Carohna the ninety-two men who would not rescind were 
toasted and cheered in all manner of celebrations. A ma- 
jority of the Commons House voted to write to Massachu- 
setts approving its action. 

141. Demand for Quarters for Troops. There were still 
British troops in South Carohna who had been placed there 
during the Cherokee War. General Gage, commander of 
the British troops in America, now ordered more troops to 
Charles Town. Governor Montagu announced this news to 
the General Assembly and asked that provision be made for 
the support of these extra troops. The people of South 
Carolina, who were already uneasy at the presence of British 
troops in the province when there was no apparent need of 
them, ignored the appeal. Governor Montagu, at this 
time, on account of ill health, retired for a leave of absence, 
leaving the question of the quartering of the troops unset- 



110 The History of South Carolina. 

tied. Lieutenant Governor Bull again took over the ad- 
ministration of the government. 

142. Refusal to Quarter Troops. The General Assembly 
reported to Governor Bull that it would not agree to sup- 
port any additional troops in the province. At this time 
there was much agitation in the province by the suggestion 
which was made to the King by certain ministers in England 
that the most seditious agitators in the colonies of America 
should be brought to England for trial. South CaroHna 
and Virginia resented this threat in a protest from their 
General Assemblies. South Carolina, while the duties im- 
posed had not fallen heavily upon her, had been warm- 
hearted in her approbation of the protest from Massachu- 
setts; had refused to quarter troops in Charles Town; and 
had promptly resented the threat to seize her citizens who 
had been active in their protests against British exactions. 
All through these controversies she had been careful to 
assure his majesty, King George III, that South CaroHna 
was still loyal to the crown. No word had as yet been said 
of separation from Great Britain. 

143. Courts in the "Back Country". In 1768, the province 
was divided, by act of Assembly, into seven judicial districts, 
courts to be held at Charles Town, Orangeburgh, Camden, 
Ninety Six, Cheraws, Beaufort, and Georgetown. This act 
also provided for building jails and appointing necessary 
officers for the administration of justice throughout South 
Carolina. This bill met with the royal disapproval, but in 
1769 finally became law. Court houses and jails were 
built in the several districts and by 1772 the people were 
able to obtain justice at their homes instead of going to 
Charles Town. 

144. Non-importation. In 1769-1770, exactly 100 years 
after the arrival of the first English colony on the banks of 
the Kiawah, there was great agitation under the branches 



The History of South Carolina. Ill 

of the Liberty Tree in regard to non-importation — the re- 
fusal to accept goods in Charles Town on which import 
duties had been placed by England. An agreement was 
made under the Liberty Tree which pledged the merchants 
and mechanics to encourage American manufactures and to 
refuse to receive British goods. They also stated that they 
would not purchase from or sell any goods to any person 
who refused to sign this agreement. All persons not sign- 
ing were boycotted. British cargoes arriving in Charles 
Town were stored and left to rot in the warehouses, the 
consignees not being allowed to sell these goods in the open 
market. This was unjust and worked great hardship upon 
persons who had bought these goods from English mer- 
chants before the non-importation agreement was made. 

145. Non-importation Broken by Northern Colonies. Much 
to the indignation of the South Carolinians, word came that 
New York and Philadelphia had broken the non-importa- 
tion agreement. It was thereupon discussed under the 
Liberty Tree what should be done by South Carolina. Feel- 
ing that non-importation would be ineffective and useless 
if continued by South Carolina alone, it was decided to 
discontinue it on all merchandise, except tea. All possible 
encouragement was still to be given to American manufac- 
tures, and the use of luxuries was to be restricted as much 
as possible. 

Despite the breaking down of the non-itnportation scheme 
it had accomplished something. The British Parliament 
repealed the duties on glass, lead, and all other articles 
except tea. The provinces, not to be outdone, determined 
not to use tea. 

146. Montagu Returns. Lord Charles Greville Montagu, 
who had retired to England on account of ill health, re- 
turned in 1771 to resume his office. He was received with 
much cordiality, but from the beginning he was involved 




a 

O 



P^ 



The History of South Carolina. 113 

in trouble with the General Assembly. He dissolved the 
General Assembly because of its determination to control 
the taxes of the province. The people, sustaining the 
General Assembly, returned the same members to the Com- 
mons House. Among these were Gadsden, Rutledge, Lynch, 
Pinckney, and Manigault, men who were prominent in 
their opposition to the duties. One struggle after another 
occurred between the House and the Governor, who, finally 
discouraged, gave up his office in 1773. For the fifth time 
Lieutenant Governor Bull sat in the governor's chair. 

147. The Blockade of Boston. The duty on tea had not 
been lifted because the English government, not wilHng to 
be beaten in the contest with her colonies, wished to assert 
its right to impose duties upon them. In 1773, three car- 
goes of tea arriving in Boston, a party of citizens dressed 
as Indians boarded the ships, and threw the chests of tea 
into the sea. The EngUsh Government, in retahation, 
declared the port of Boston in a state of blockade and word 
came that British troops were to be sent to enforce it. Bos- 
ton appealed to the other provinces to sustain her by en- 
tering into another non-importation agreement. 

At this appeal South CaroHna called a meeting of dele- 
gates from all parts of the province. At this gathering, 
aftei hot debates, the people refused to agree to the non- 
importation which Boston asked for, because the northern 
colonists at whose instance it had been agreed upon before, 
had been the first to break it. By this time it was begin- 
ning to be suspected that the northern provinces wished to 
separate themselves from England, and South Carohna, 
still loyal to the mother country, looked with abhorrence 
upon any such plan. The Stamp Act had been repealed 
and as yet she had suffered no great injury from the duties. 
She had merely through sympathy with the northern pro- 
vinces agreed to non-importation. It was suggested at this 



114 The History of South Carolina. 

meeting of the provincial delegates that a deputation be 
sent from the Continental Congress to lay the case of the 
colonies before the crown before all intercourse with England 
should be broken. Five deputies were appointed to attend 
the Continental Congress, which was held in Philadelphia 
in September, 1774. A committee of ninety-nine persons 
was appointed to serve as a general committee to look after 
pubhc affairs. 

South Carohna, always generous in her assistance, was 
very liberal to the blockaded port of Boston. She sent 
£3,300 in money and eighty barrels of rice, which amounted 
to more than the donations of any other province in America. 

148. Charles Town Tea Party. In November, 1774, the 
merchants of Charles Town, with no disguises and in broad 
daylight, in the midst of a great gathering of the citizens 
of the town, threw seven chests of tea which had arrived at 
the port, into the Cooper River. In Georgetown the same 
thing was done. The people were determined not to use 
the tea upon which the duty had been placed. 

149. Attitude of the Church. The Church of England, in 
South Carohna, was generally in sympathy with the Revo- 
lution. There was one interesting exception, however. On 
Sunday, August 14, 1774, the Rev. John BuUman, assistant 
rector of St. Michael's, preached a sermon which was 
supposed to reflect on the popular proceedings. His audi- 
ence would scarcely hear him out, and he was subsequently 
dismissed by the church. When, in the vestry, the vote 
for his dismissal was put, there was a cry ''Now shall we 
see who are the enemies of the country." The vote against 
him was welcomed with a shout that shook pulpit and altar. 

150. The First Continental Congress. New York had issued 
a call for a Continental Congress. South Carohna had 
sounded the key note for common cause against England 
in these ringing words, "The whole country must be ani- 



The History of South Carolina. 115 

mated with one great soul, and all Americans must stand 
by one another, even unto death." The Congress, repre- 
senting twelve of the provinces, assembled at Philadelphia, 
in 1774. On the retirement of its first president, Peyton 
Randolph, Henry Middleton of South Carolina was chosen 
to succeed him. The Congress adopted the acts of non- 
importation and non-consumption which had been pre- 
viously agreed upon by several provinces. These agreements 
contained a clause to discontinue the slave trade, to which 
the southern members offered no opposition, and a pro- 
vision to except rice as an article of export from the list of 
non-exportations. 

151. The Provincial Congress. The general committee 
called a general meeting of the inhabitants of the province. 
The gathering, which met in Charles Town, January 11, 
1775, was known as the Provincial Congress. Charles 
Pinckney was chosen president. 

At the Provincial Congress the delegates from the Phila- 
delphia Congress reported the proceedings of that body. 
John Rutledge explained that the South Carolina delegates 
had insisted that rice be excepted in the non-intercourse 
association because South Carolina sold most of her rice in 
England and would suffer greatly by non-exportation, while 
the northern colonies sold their products to other European 
countries and would thus be little affected by the agreement 
of the Association. The Provincial Congress, after much 
debate, approved of what had been done at the Continental 
Congress They concluded by a recommendation to the 
inhabitants of the province to practice the use of firearms 
and to set aside a day for prayer. This Congress practically 
took control of the province, superseding the royal authority. 
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Bull still acted as governor 
under the crown. His position was an awkward one; he 
was a native of the province and closely allied with some 



116 The History of South Carolina. 

of the popular leaders. He was a favorite of the people and 
greatly beloved by all; was moderate in his opinions and 
indulgent to those of others. 

152. Loyalty to the Association. In South Carolina, the 
terms of the Association were rigidly compHed with. Ships, 
arriving from England, were emptied of their cargoes, which 
were thrown into the sea Even a cargo of slaves was 
interdicted and sent elsewhere. The private carriage and 
horses of a citizen from England were not allowed to be 
landed. 

153. Preparations for War. The news of the battle of 
Lexington was received in Charles Town in May, 1775. 
The Provincial Congress was at once called to meet in Charles 
Town on the first of June. Henry Laurens was made presi- 
dent. At this session a prohibition against the exportation 
of rice and corn, except with the consent of the Association, 
as Congress might need such exports in order to procure 
arms and ammunition from abroad, was passed. It was 
resolved to raise two regiments of infantry of 1,500 men 
and a regiment of cavalry rangers of 450 men. These were 
to be enrolled under the articles of war and subjected to the 
discipUne of British troops. They voted a million of money, 
commissioners of a treasury were resolved upon and a coun- 
cil of safety was elected. A government was thus set up by 
the Congress, the provisions of which were put in writing. 
A secret committee, composed of William Henry Drayton, 
Arthur Middleton, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, WiUiam 
Gibbes, and Edward Weyman, was appointed and given 
large powers. Other committees were appointed to carry on 
the necessary business of the government. 

This was the first revolutionary government set up among 
the American provinces 

154. Arrival of Lord William Campbell. On the eighteenth 
of June, 1775, Lord William Campbell arrived in Charles 



The History uf South Carolina. llf 

Town on the man-of-war Scorpion, with his commission as 
governor of South CaroHna. His coming marked the last 
days of the royal government. The South CaroHnians had 
taken complete control of the affairs of the province. 



CHAPTER XIIL 
THE PROVINCE BECOMES A STATE. 

155. Raising of Regiments. The Provincial Congress pro- 
ceeded to raise the three regiments of troops which had 
been agreed upon. Christopher Gadsden and William 
Moultrie were elected colonels; Isaac Motte and Isaac Huger 
lieutenant-colonels; Owen Roberts and Alexander Mcintosh 
majors; and Charles Coteswoith Pinckney, Barnard 
EUiott, Francis Marion, William Cattell, Peter Horry, 
Daniel Horry, Adam McDonald, Thomas Lynch, Jr., William 
Scott, John Barnwell Nicholas Eveleigh, James McDonald, 
Isaac Harleston, Thomas Pinckney, Francis Huger. William 
Mason, Edmund Hyrne, Roger Parker Saunders, Charles 
Motte, and Benjamin Cattell, captains of the infantry 
regiments. William Thomson and James Mayson were 
elected lieutenant-colonel and major, respectively, of the 
cavalry regiment. Many of these men had gained experience 
and distinction in the Cherokee War. 

156. Seizing of Powder and Ammunition. General George 
Washington of Virginia had been appointed by the Con- 
tinental Congress Commander-in-chief of the American 
aimies Finding that there was a great scarcity of powder 
and ammunition in America, an appeal was made to all the 
provinces to send him all that could be spared. 

South Carolina was appealed to for help. It was learned 
that a British ship-of-war was expected on the coast with 
several tons of powder designed for the Indians The secret 
committee issued instructions to Captains Barnwell and 
Joyner of Beaufort to seize the vessel. A schooner was 
fitted out and commissioned by the Georgia Congress. A 
joint force of South Carolinians and Georgians manned 
her, put to sea, captured the British vessel and appro- 
priated all her ammunition. 



The History of South Caroliny\. 119 

Another successful capture was effected. Hearing that 
British powder and arms might be seized at New Providence 
and upon the high seas the council of safety fitted out a 
sloop for this purpose under Captain Lempriere. Cruising 
off St. Augustine, he captured one of the expected vessels — 
an armed brig. From this vessel he procured a large supply 
of mihtary stores and powder. Though pursued by a su- 
perior force he succeeded in making the port of Beaufort 
and safely stored his spoils on shore. The rangers mean- 
while under Major Mayson seized upon Fort Charlotte, on 
the Savannah River, where they captured a considerable 
armament — great guns, powder, shot, and lead. These 
were stored at the town of Ninety Six and a company was 
left in garrison at Fort Charlotte. 

157. Dissension. South Carohna had rushed headlong 
into the controversy with England without the unanimous 
consent of her citizens. The Provincial Congress first 
called upon all of the citizens to subscribe to the Articles 
of Association^ which, it must be remembered, had been 
agreed upon by the Continental Congress. Twenty-two 
leading persons, meanwhile, had decUned to sign the Arti- 
cles of Association. The most of these were or had been 
officers of the crown. It was finally proposed to them to 
take an oath of neutrality during the quarrel, and such as 
refused this oath either left the province, or, disarmed, were 
confined to the limits of Charles Town. William Wragg, 
still loyal to the King, and feeling certain that war was 
coming, was among those who refused to subscribe to the 
Association and left the province, never to return. 

158. Treachery in the Up- Country. Captain Moses Kirk- 
land, who had charge of the powder at Ninety Six, which 
had been captured at Fort Charlotte by Major Mayson, 
betrayed the powder into the hands of Major Robinson, a 
Scotch loyalist. Kirkland had wanted the commission 



V20 



The History of South Carolina. 



which had been given Mayson and had become disaffected 
on that account. In a few days a colonel of militia. Thomas 
Fletchall, joined Kirkland, Robinson and others in raising 
the King's standard. The Cuningham brothers and Thomas 
Brown were also prominent in this movement foi the King. 
Fletchall soon gathered 1,500 men capable of overawing 
the country from the Broad to the Savannah. 




Ruins, of Fort Lyttelton on Beaufort River. 

159. Men Sent to Up-Country. The Council of Safety 
commissioned WilHam Henry Drayton and the Rev. WilHam 
Tennent to make a tour of the disaffected region to explain 
to the people the cause of dispute between the crown and 
the colonies, and if possible to pacify them. Drayton and 
Tennent met with little success. There was small sympathy 
between the Up-Country and the Low-Country. This was 
in part due to the natural jealousies of the poor and isolated 
settlements toward the affluent people of Charles Town 



The History of South Carolina. 121 

already in the possession of wealth and importance, and in 
part due to the different nationalities of the settlers. The 
Up-Country felt none of the oppression of the British and 
saw no valid reason for revolt. 

160. Apparent Pacification. In talking to the people in a 
speech at a meeting upon the Enoree, Drayton and Tennent 
heard that the loyalists were rising. They called out the 
miUtia and called for volunteers. It looked as though blood- 
shed would surely follow, but the loyalists were not yet 
ready for open revolt and their leaders presented themselves 
to Drayton's camp to sue for peace. Drayton next proceeded 
to pacify the Cherokees to whom he made presents. The 
Cherokees gave their promise readily, but British agents 
had already been to the Cherokees, and these promises, 
like those of the loyalists, were of brief duration. 

Thus South Carolina was to enter the great struggle 
divided. 

161. Governor Campbell's Influence in the Interior. 
Governor Campbell, while powerless in Charles Town, had 
not been idle in the interior. John Stuart, who had been 
in command of Fort Loudoun at the time of its capitalu- 
tion to the Cherokees, was now Commissioner of Indian 
Affairs for the Southern Provinces of North America. Stuart 
was intensely loyal to the King. He had a tremendous 
influence over the Indians, and taking up his residence in 
Florida he made strenuous efforts to incite the Cherokees 
of the South Carolina border against the patriots. He had 
an agent named Cameron who lived among the Indians 
and who took a wife of the Cherokee Nation, Cameron 
built a fine house for her, clothed her in luxury and through 
her presented gifts to her countrymen. In this way he 
obtained a great influence over the Cherokees. Governor 
Campbell kept in secret correspondence with Stuart and 
Cameron, also with the Cuninghams, Brown, Kirkland, 



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The History of South Carolina. 123 

Fletchall, and other loyalists of the Up-Country. His cor- 
respondence was at length intercepted and from that time 
he was closely watched by agents of the Provincial Congress. 

162. Convening of General Assembly. In July, 1775, the 
General Assembly was convened by Governor Campbell. 
This, it must be remembered, was under the royal authority, 
the shows of which were still maintained, though the real 
power of the province had been absorbed by the Provincial, 
or revolutionary, Congress. No business was done. The 
two houses and the Governor were at cross-purposes — 
the greater part of the Commons House being members 
either of the Provincial Congress, the Council of Safety, or 
the general committee. All these were revolutionary bodies 
arrayed against the royal authority. 

163. The Taking of Fort Johnson— A Flag Devised. The 
revolutionary committees resolved to take possession of 
Fort Johnson. The bastions of the town were manned by 
detachments of artillery and the city took on the appear- 
ance of a vigilance camp. Fort Johnson was taken posses- 
sion of September 15, 1775, by a detachment led by Colonel 
Motte and consisting of the companies of Captains Pinckney, 
Elliott, and Marion. The guns of Fort Johnson were prompt- 
ly trained upon the British armed vessels lying in the harbor, 
the Cherokee and the Tamar. The next day Governor 
Campbell dissolved the General Assembly and fled to the 
shelter of the Tamar, in Rebellion Roads, carrying with 
him the great seal of the province. No laws had been passed 
by the General Assembly during his administration, and 
though his influence in the interior had been mischievous, 
he had not proved himself the man to turn it to profitable 
account for his sovereign. 

Fort Johnson was soon recruited with troops from the 
city and put in fighting order. The troops of the garrison 



124 



The History of South Carolina. 



needing a flag, devised one — a blue field with a silver cres- 
cent in the dexter upper corner. 
164. Insurrection in ''Back Country" — First Bloodshed. 

The insurrection in the ''Back Country " was increasing. Major 
Williamson of the militia, in charge of the militia of Ninety 
Six District, had some sharp fighting. A large force of 
militia, embodied under the command of Colonel Richard 




Haddrell's Point Near Charles Town. 

Richardson, was ordered to the scene of disaffection. Rich- 
ardson's force was increased on the march to 3,000 men. 
His approach overawed the insurgents who gradually began 
to disband. Several of their chief men were made prisoners. 
Colonel Fletchall was found in the hollow of a sycamore 
tree and others in similar hiding places. These were all 
sent to the Charles Town jail. A detachment under Colonel 
Thomson proceeded against Cuningham and had nearly 
surrounded his camp when they were discovered. The 
insurgents were overcome at a blow. 



The History of South Carolina. 125 

This campaign thus ended in success; at least, it tempo- 
rarily put down and dispersed the opposition. The campaign, 
however, was a terribly severe one. The troops were without 
tents or covering. Provisions were scarce and they were in 
a snow storm for three days. The campaign was afterwards 
known as the ''Snow Camp." 

Richardson disbanded his force on Christmas day. Shortly 
afterward, in an effort to conciliate the opposition, a declara- 
tion of pardon was issued for them by the Provincial Con- 
gress. In this declaration all of the opposition were in- 
cluded except a few who had been most active. Many of 
them agreed to the terms of the Congress and accepted the 
pardon. Some, however, refused to do so and fled to Florida. 

165. Ridding the Harbor of British Vessels. The revolu- 
tionists of South Carolina had to all appearances quieted 
their domestic dissensions. The seaboard was now the 
scene of danger and excitement. Already had the British 
slo6ps-of-war received an accession to their force in the 
arrival of the ship Scorpion. These ships harassed the 
trade of the province and were a perpetual threat and danger, 
seizing upon the vessels arriving, appropriating their con- 
tents and giving refuge to runaway negroes. 

The patriots were eager to rid the harbor of these ships. 
The ship Prosper was put in charge of William Henry 
Drayton, and in a single night a battery was raised on 
HaddrelFs Point and guns were mounted by the dawn. A few 
shots from the eighteen pounders, then put in position, soon 
compelled the men-of-war to fall down to Sullivan's Island. 
They were allowed neither food nor water and were forced 
to put to sea a few days later. The provincials then com- 
menced the erection of a fort on Sullivan's Island, which 
they continued, though slowly, to work on at intervals. 

166. The Province Becomes the State. On February 11, 
1776, a committee of eleven prominent men of the province 



126 The History of South Carolina. 

was appointed to report a plan of government. While the 
Provincial Congress was debating the terms of a constitu- 
tion — preparing to shake off all the forms of dependence 
upon Britain — news arrived of the act of the British Par- 
liament which authorized the capture of American ships 
and property. This put all the rebellious provinces under 
the ban of war and crystallized the sentiment of South 
Carohna for war. In March, 1776, John Rutledge, from 
the committee to prepare a plan of government, submitted 
a preamble and constitution which was adopted. This 
constitution substantially ended the rule of England and 
converted the province into a republican state. Under 
this constitution the Provincial Congress became the General 
Assembly of South Carolina, with all the powers of sove- 
reignty as derived from the people. The representation 
recognized twenty parishes and ten election districts. The 
executive and judicial officers were the President and Com- 
mander-in-chief, Vice President, Chief Justice and assistant 
judges, the Attorney General, an Ordinary and three com- 
missioners of the treasury. John Rutledge was elected first 
President and Commander-in-chief; Henry Laurens, Vice 
President; and William Henry Drayton, Chief Justice. Thus 
the province of South Carolina became the State of South 
Carolina. 



III. 

SOUTH CAROLINA DURING THE 
REVOLUTIONARY WAR 



CHAPTER XIV. 
OPENING OF HOSTILITIES WITH ENGLAND. 

167. Arrival of the British Fleet. In May, 1776, expresses 
reached President Rutledge bringing the news that a British 
fleet under Sir Peter Parker, with a large land force under 
Sir Henry Clinton on board, was off Dewees's Island, about 
twenty miles north of Charles Town bar. It was now known 
that the first attack upon the English provinces in America 
was to be against the newly made State of South Carolina. 
There was great excitement in Charles Town at the pros- 
pect of the attack. General Charles Lee, third in rank of 
the general officers of the American forces, arrived to take 
charge of the Southern department. President Rutledge 
ordered out the militia of the State, an alarm was fired and 
the fortifications of the city were strengthened. All the 
citizens went to work with enthusiasm. Works were thrown 
up, traverses erected across the streets, weights were taken 
from the windows of the houses to be cast into musket balls 
and the public records and the printing presses were moved 
out of town. 

168. Fort on Sullivan's Island. In January, 1776, work had 
been commenced upon a fort on Sullivan's Island. This 
fort was not completed at the arrival of the British fleet. 
It was placed under the command of Colonel William Moul- 
trie, commanding the 2nd South Carolina regiment. The 
fort was a square large enough to hold, when finished, 1,000 
men. It was built of palmetto logs laid one upon the other. 
There were two parallel rows of these logs and the space 
between was filled with sand. The rear of the fort and the 
eastern side were unfinished. General Lee disapproved of 
any attempt to defend this island and wanted to withdraw 
the troops for the defense of the city. President Rutledge 



130 The History of South Carolina. 

indignantly refused to consent to the abandonment of the 
island. General Lee, however, withdrew a number of the 
troops from this fort and also removed a quantity of powder. 

169. Defenses of the Inlet Between the Islands. Sulli- 
van's Island and Long Island (now called Isle of Palms) are 
separated by an inlet called Breach Inlet. The fleet landed 
Sir Henry Clinton and his land force on Long Island with 
the purpose of crossing the inlet and attacking the fort on 
Sullivan's Island by land at the same time of the attack by the 
fleet from the sea. Sir Henry Clinton landed on Long Is- 
land on June 8, and threw up works on the Long Island 
side of the inlet. The South Carolinians threw up works 
on the Sulhvan's Island side, which were manned by a force 
of 780 troops under the command of Colonel William Thom- 
son. These were to resist the land force of 2,200 men. 
The fleet consisted of eleven ships. 

170. The Attack on the Fort. On the 28th of June, 1776, 
the British ships bore down upon Sullivan's Island and the 
Thunder, bombship of the British, began to throw sheUs 
upon the fort. When the fleet arrived within easy range 
of the fort the garrison opened fire. The leading ship, the 
Active, came on, however, regardless of the fire. The other 
ships followed and anchored in two parallel hnes and a 
heavy bombardment of the fort was commenced. Several 
shells from the Thunder fell inside the fort but were buried 
in the sand. 

As soon as the fleet commenced the bombardment of the 
fort Sir Henry Clinton made an attempt to cross Breach 
Inlet to aid' in the attack. He had an armed schooner and 
a sloop and a flotilla of armed boats to support the troops 
while crossing. The flotilla advanced, but Colonel Thomson's 
little force, with but two cannon, manned by men who had 
never fired a gun larger than a rifle, opened up a fire that 
raked the decks so that the men could not be kept at their 



The History of South Carolina. 



131 



posts and the flotilla turned back. The troops who were to 
wade the inlet at low tide were likewise driven back and 
subsequently offered the excuse that the tide had risen too 
high for them to cross. 

171. Victory for the South CaroHnians. About midday, the 
boats of the second line of the British fleet were ordered to 
pass the fort and commence an attack upon the rear side 

of the fort. This would have 
meant disaster, for, it will be 
remembered, this side had not 
been completed. Fortunately, 
the ships stuck upon a shoal 
in carrying out this manouvre. 
Two of the ships got off the 
.shoal and withdrew, but the 
third stuck fast. 

The garrison of the fort 
directed their fire against the 
two largest ships of the fleet. 
On one of these ships was 
Lord WiUiam Campbell, the 
late royal governor of South 
Carolina, and Sir Peter Parker. Twice the quarter-deck 
was cleared of every person except Sir Peter Parker. Lord 
William Campbell was wounded. So great was the slaughter 
from the unerring fire of the garrison that at one time it 
was thought that the two ships would be entirely destroyed 
and they had decided to abandon these ships when the fire 
from the fort ceased. 

The fire ceased because of the lack of powder. General 
Lee had withdrawn a. part of the ammunition from the fort 
and it was thought that in the face of victory the defense 
would have to be abandoned. President Rutledge, however, 




Colonel William Moultrie, the 
Brave Defender of the Fort on 
Sullivan's Island, Which Now 
Bears His Name. 



132 The History of South Carolina. 

succeeded in getting the necessary powder to the garrison 
and the defense was resumed. 

Some time thereafter, the flagstaff of the fort was shot 
away, the flag falhng outside the fort. Upon this Sergeant 
WiUiam Jasper, of the Second regiment, leaped over the 
ramparts amidst heavy firing from the fleet, and, tearing 
the flag from the staff, returned with it and fastened it upon 
a sponge staff, amidst a storm of shot and shell, fixed it 
over the fort. After giving three cheers he returned to his 
gun unharmed. 

The day ended with victory for the South Carolinians. 
About nine o'clock, the fire from the fleet ceased and a little 
later the ships slipped their cables and retired. 

172. Losses. The total number killed in the fort was 
twelve and the wounded twenty-five. In the fleet we find 
that the two captains of the fifty-gun ships were mortally 
wounded, and nearly a hundred men on each ship killed. 
The loss of the fleet was slightly less than six to one over 
that of the fort. The fort, it is interesting to note, had used 
only 4,766 pounds of powder, while the fleet had used about 
34,000 pounds. 

Two days after the battle. General Lee visited the fort 
and thanked the garrison for their heroic defense. Presi- 
dent Rutledge visited the garrison, also, and, taking his own 
sword from his side, presented it to Sergeant Jasper for his 
bravery in planting the flag. In honor of Colonel Moultrie, 
the brave defender of the fort, that structure was named 
Fort Moultrie. 

173. Importance of Victory. The battle of Fort Moultrie 
ranks with the most decisive victories of the Revolution. 
The fact that the invincible British fleet had been defeated 
by untrained men in a Httle fort built of sand and palmetto 
logs gave a great moral impetus to the cause. Many who 
before had been lukewarm in their enthusiasm for inde- 



The History of South Carolina. 133 

pendence, were now encouraged to enter whole-heartedly 
into preparation for the defense of the State. John Rut- 
ledge, as President of the State, had approved of manning 
the fort in spite of the objections of the experienced general 
of the American forces, Charles Lee, and Carohnians had 
by themselves fought the battle and won the victory. The 
glory of Fort Moultrie is due entirely to the valor of her 
own sons. By this victory the Southern expedition of the 
British fleet was brought to naught and war was kept from 
South CaroHna for nearly three years. 

174. Loyalist and Indian Uprising Quelled. Before the 
battle of Fort Moultrie a plan had been formed by Governor 
Campbell, and Stuart and Cameron, the Indian agents, to 
land a British army in Florida, which, uniting with the 
loyalists in Florida and the Indians of the South Carolina 
frontier, would fall upon the Up-Country of South Caro- 
lina on the same day that the British fleet attacked Sulli- 
van's Island. Simultaneously with the battle of Fort 
Moultrie, they commenced their massacres upon the fron- 
tiers. This invasion was marked by the usual barbarities 
of Indian warfare. Poorly provided with arms, the bor- 
derers betook themselves to stockade forts. Colonel Wil- 
liamson, who was charged with the defense of the ''Back 
Country", soon found himself at the head of 1,200 men. 
He advanced upon a loyahst and Indian force at Oconee 
Creek. His approach was known, an ambuscade laid for 
him, and he found himself in the thick of a desperate con- 
flict. His horse was shot under him and his army was hrown 
into disorder. It was rallied by Lieut. Colonel LeRoy 
Hammond; the thicket was charged and the day retrieved. 
Marching through the Indian settlement, Williamson de- 
stroyed their crops and villages. All their settlements east 
of the Appalachian mountains were laid waste; and, to 
avoid starvation, 500 of their warriors fled to join the Royal- 



134 



The History of South Carolina. 



ists in Florida. The conquest, of the country was complete, 
and the Cherokees sued for peace. They were compelled 
to cede to South Carolina all their lands beyond the moun- 
tains of Unacaya. These lands form the present flourishing 
counties of Greenville, Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens. 

175. The Declaration of Independence. On the 28th of 
June, 1776, the same day upon which the British fleet was 

attacking the little pal- 
metto fort on SuUivan's 
Island, a declaration of 
separation from Great 
Britain was being de- 
bated in the third Con- 
tinental Congress which 
was being held in Phila- 
delphia. In this Congress 
South Carolina was rep- 
resented by Edward 
Rutledge (brother to 
President John Rutledge 
of South Carolina), 
Thomas Lynch, his son, 
Thomas Lynch, Jr., Ar- 
thur Middleton, and 
Thomas Heyward, Jr. 
It must be understood 
that the American pro- 
vinces still hoped for reconcihation with Great Britain. They 
had made a determined stand for their liberties, but they 
wanted to make this stand within the dominion of the 
mother country — that is, they wished to force England to 
abandon her objectionable policy toward them. Only a few 
daring spirits like Christopher Gadsden had been outspoken 
in their desire for a separation. The government set up in 




Colonel William Thomson, Who 
Prevented the British from Cross- 
ing Breach Inlet to Attack the Fort 
on Sullivan's Island hy Land. 



The History of South Carolina. 135 

South Carolina was only a temporary one, made in the 
hope of a future adjustment of difficulties with Great 
Britain. So many citizens were opposed to separat on that 
the South Carolina delegates in the Continental Congress 
were afraid to agree to a Declaration of Independence. 
However, with many misgivings at committing South Caro- 
lina to so dangerous a course, on the 4th of July, they voted 
to adopt, and signed their names to the document. This 
they did in ignorance of the battle of Fort Moultrie, which 
had taken place six days before. It was a great relief to 
them to learn that Great Britain had been the aggressor. 

176. General Lee's Expedition into Florida. General Lee, 
who by this time had taken to himself all the glory of the 
battle of Fort Moultrie, now undertook an expedition for 
the conquest of Florida, which had not joined the revolu- 
tionists. Lee marched a force of Virginia and North Caro- 
lina troops to the Ogeechee River, whither the South Caro- 
lina troops followed. He marched headlong, without cloth- 
ing, medicine chest, or provisions. At Sanbury the average 
mortality in his camp was fifteen deaths a day. Luckily 
Lee was recalled to New York and the expedition abandoned. 
His mismanagement left the South in greater distress than 
ever; having cost it more men than all the assaults of the 
enemy. 

177. South Carolina Undisturbed. For more than two 
years after the battle of Fort Moultrie, the arms of the 
British were chiefly employed at the North. Britain, at 
no time, had in America more than 75,000 men; and, to 
scatter these over the entire country was to render them 
useless. It was necessary that she should first possess her- 
self of the North, before she could spare the necessary forces 
for the conquest of the South. During this interval. South 
Carolina escaped most of the sufferings of war, beyond those 
which followed from the red men of her borders and the 



136 The History of South Carolina. 

sullen discontents of her loyalists frontier population. In the 
meantime, Charles Town enjoyed a lucrative commerce, and 
its people grew prosperous. In 1777 and 1778 it was the 
mart which supplied with goods most of the States south of 
New Jersey. An extensive inland traffic sprang into exist- 
ence with northern towns, in consequence of the presence 
of the British fleets along the coasts of Virginia and New 
York. In this traffic, more than a thousand wagons were 
employed. 

178. Aids to the Cause. South Carolina set about building 
a little fleet with which to open trade" with the Dutch and 
West Indies. In this way she was able to supply herself 
and the other colonies with many necessities, for the lack 
of which they would have suffered great hardships. She 
also supplied her quota of men for the Continental Army 
at the North, for though South Carolina had enjoyed peace 
and prosperity for more than two years within her borders, 
she had not been inactive, nor wanting in any enterprise 
which might contribute to the common cause. Fifty men 
of her first regiment of land forces volunteered, as marines, 
on board the frigate Randolph; and there went forth with 
this unfortunate frigate, on a cruise, the Polly, of sixteen 
guns; the General Moultrie, of eighteen; the Fair American, 
of fourteen; and the Notre Dame, of sixteen. The Randolph, 
after a few weeks at sea, encountered at night the British 
ship Yarmouth, and, in the bloody conflict between them, 
blew up, losing all her crew save three men. 

179. The New Constitution. In 1778, the General Assem- 
bly of South Carolina established a new Constitution for 
the State to take the place of the temporary Constitution 
of 1776. In this Constitution, they replaced the Council, 
which savored too strongly of the royal regime, with a 
Senate, and, at the same time, dissolved the connection of 
the Church of England (the Episcopal Church) with the 



The History of South Carolina. 137 

State. Up to this time the church had been supported by 
the government as was the custom in the mother country. 
This was now deemed unfair as there were many other de- 
nominations in the State which received no aid from the 
government. The new Constitution abjured all allegiance 
to Britain and acknowledged fealty only to the State. John 
Rutledge, President of the State, resigned rather than sign 
the new Constitution, as he had been elected under the 

terms of the temporary Constitution 
which had not demanded indepen- 
dence. Rawlins Lowndes was elected 
in his place, and became the second 
President of South Carolina. 

180. France Takes a Hand. The 
door to a reconciliation with England 
was closed, however, by a treaty 
made between France and the Con- 
tinental Congress by which France 
recognized the independence of Amer- 
Henry Laurens. Presi- ica and agreed that if shc should go to 

dent of the Continental -ii x-i i i l^ , t-\ ^ 

Congress. war With England that r ranee and 

the States would make common cause. The States did not 
relish the idea of accepting the aid of France. South Caro- 
lina was especially averse to such an alliance. In recalling 
the history of South Carolina, we will remember the attack 
of Monsieur Le Feboure on Charles Town and the French 
machinations which incited the Cherokees to war in 1759. 
Despite this ill feeling. Congress thought it necessary to 
accept aid from France on account of the feeble resources of 
the States. The recognition of the independence of America 
by France in the treaty gave to the Revolution a dignity 
in Europe which the States could ill afford to refuse. 

181. Rejection of Overtures from England. A general 
alarm was felt in England when the news reached it that 




138 The History of South Carolina. 

an alliance had been formed between her former provinces 
and France. British arms in the North had been unsuccessful. 
Burgoyne's army had been captured and the English gov- 
ernment felt unable to fight France and the provinces at 
the same time. Commissioners were sent from England to 
make terms with the Continental Congress. These com- 
missioners offered many concessions, all the claims from 
which the war had originated, and a freedom of internal 
government. Congress, of which Henry Laurens of South 
Carolina was President, refused these offers, declaring that 
it would not treat with Great Britain unless she acknow- 
ledged the independence of the States and withdrew her 
army. 

The commissioners, having failed before Congress, next 
attempted to reach the legislatures of the. several States. 
A vessel flying a flag of truce anchored in Charles Town 
harbor. It brought a letter to the General Assembly from 
these commissioners. On reading the letter the General 
Assembly returned it instantly and ordered the vessel to 
depart from the waters of the State. 

In this manner South Carolina rejected the overtures of 
the British commissioners. From this time forth, the 
American States were not fighting for their rights under the 
sovereignty of Great Britain but for their independence as 
separate States. 



CHAPTER XV. 
THE FALL OF CHARLES TOWN. 

182. Reasons for Transfer. During the two years' war at 
the North the British arms had accomphshed no perma- 
nent results. A new plan of operations was formed accord- 
ingly in the fall of 1778. By this plan the theatre of war 
was to be transferred to South Carolina and Georgia. There 
were several pressing reasons for this. The British needed 
the exports of these States which they had for a long time 
been dependent upon. South Carohna, with her wealth of 
crops, her captures of rich prizes and her trade with the 
West Indies, had been supplying the northern States which 
were blockaded by the British. War in the South would 
prevent this. Again, General Washington would be unable 
to reach these southern States to aid them as the British 
controlled the sea, and a great length of time would be 
required to march Continental troops over the rough, un- 
inhabited country which lay between the North and the 
South. Finally, it was thought that there were great num- 
bers of loyalists in South Carolina and Georgia who would 
flock to the British standard when the great British army 
appeared to protect them. 

183. Military Capacity. The intention of South Carolina, 
at the beginning of the war, was to organize a regular army 
whose soldiers should be paid. The Continental Congress 
at Philadelphia required from her one soldier for every 
twenty-five inhabitants. At the most there were 100,000 
white people in the State, and from these South Carolina 
furnished her full quota — 4,080 soldiers. Colonel Charles 
Cotesworth Pinckney and John Laurens, son of Henry 
Laurens, the President of the Continental Congress, both 
served as aide-de-camps to General Washington during the 



140 The History of South Carolina. 

cessation of hostilities in the South. South CaroHna had 
been continually sending powder and arms for the use of 
the Continental army and had contributed more in money 
and commodities than any other State in the union except 
Massachusetts, a State with a much larger population, 
whose donations exceeded those of South Carolina but Httle. 

Now that the war was to be fought within her borders 
South Carolina found herself in dire straits. The command 
of her troops had been given to General Robert Howe, the 
whole force not exceeding 1,200. The militia could not be 
depended upon because the law required but one tour of 
not over sixty days duty in each year, also, there was much ob- 
jection by the militia to being put under the control of 
Continental officers. The Northern army could not reach 
the South in time. South Carolina was in a feeble condi- 
tion to resist the British troops. John Laurens and Colonel 
Pinckney returned post haste at the first news of invasion, 
and Count Pulaski, a gallant Pole, came with his small 
legion. This was all the assistance which came from the 
North. 

184. Fall of Savannah. An expedition from New York, 
under Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, effected a landing 
near Savannah, in December, 1778. Campbell was opposed 
by General Howe, who rashly resolved to fight him with an 
inferior force. He discovered a passage through a swamp, 
by which he got into the rear of Howe, with a large portion 
of his choice troops. Howe, taken by surprise, was defeated. 
The capital of Georgia, with all its stores, fell into the hands 
of the British. That portion of the American army which 
escaped, crossed the Savannah, and found refuge in South 
Carolina. General Prevost, meanwhile, crossing the country 
with all his forces, from Florida, united them in Savannah 
with those of Campbell. General Howe was ruined forever 
by this event and General Benjamin Lincoln was placed in 
command of the army in South Carolina. 



The History of South Carolina. 141 

185. Borders of South Carolina Opened. The loss of 
Savannah opened the avenues to South Carohna. The 
troops of Georgia — few at first and thinned by a recent 
expedition to Florida — were now reduced to merely a nominal 
force. The arms and ammunition of Georgia were all lost. 
The loyalists poured out of Florida in the wake of the 
British army, scattering themselves over middle and upper 
Georgia, from whence they were beginning to look greedily 
into South Carolina. The South Carolina loyahsts were 
also beginning to grow restive. Such was the prospect at 
the beginning of 1779. 

186. Preparations. The anxieties of the two Carolinas 
were greatly aroused. The Continental, or regular, force of 
North Carolina was at the North in Washington's army. 
North Carohna now raiseji 2,000 new troops for five months, 
and put them under Generals Ashe and Rutherford. These 
were sent to the southward, but they had to look to South 
Carolina for arms and munitions of war. The North Caro- 
linians were delayed, and only joined the remnant of the 
army after its retreat across the Savannah. Their timely 
arrival might have saved Howe. 

President Lowndes, of South Carohna, put forth all his 
energies. An embargo was laid upon all vessels sailing from 
the State. The cattle from the sea-islands were removed, 
the mihtia of the State were drafted in large numbers and 
marched down to headquarters. They were yet to be 
drilled. The Continentals in South Carohna, put under 
Lincoln, did not now exceed 600 men. Lincoln established 
his first post at Purrysburgh, on the Savannah River, for 
the purpose of maintaining close watch upon the movements 
of the British in Georgia. 

187. Attack on Beaufort. Meanwhile, the British began 
to feel their way into South Carolina. An advanced corps 
of some 200 men was detached, under Colonel Gardner, to 



U2 



The HrsTORY of South Carolina. 



take possession of Beaufort. But Gardner was encountered 
promptly by Moultrie with a force of Charles Town and 
Beaufort militia. A very sharp battle followed, in which 
Captains Heyward, Rutledge and Barnwell greatly dis- 
tinguished themselves. Gardner was defeated, losing nearly 




Kutaw Sprinjjs Near the Scene of Uie Battle of That Name. 

all his officers and many of his men, and was driven from the 
island. 

188. Failure of Attack on British. As the British extended 
their posts on the south side of the Savannah River, Lincoln 
made encampments at Black Swamp and opposite Savannah. 
From these points he crossed the river in two divisions 
with the view of limiting the operations to the seacoast of 
Georgia only. In the execution of this design he sent General 
Ashe with 1,500 North Carolinians and a few Georgians 
across the river at a point a little above the British army. 



The History of South Carolina. 143 

Ashe proceeded to Briar Creek where he was surprised on 
account of the most miserable neglect of military precautions, 
by Lieutenant Colonel Prevost. The militia, taken in the 
front and the rear, was thrown into confusion and fled. 
This disaster deprived Lincoln of one-fourth of his army 
and opened communication between the British, the loyal- 
ists and the Indians of North and South Carolina. 

189. March to Augusta. John Rutledge became first gov- 
ernor in 1779, under the new Constitution, succeeding Presi- 
dent Rawlins Lowndes. At the approach of the British, he 
had gathered a force of militia about him and encamped at 
Orangeburgh, a central point between Charles Town and 
Augusta. Thus, there were several military camps in South 
Carohna: one at Orangeburgh, one at Purrysburgh, under 
Lincoln, and one at Black Swamp, under General Rutherford. 
General Lincoln now decided to take the offensive himself 
against the British in Georgia, leaving 1,000 men at Purrys- 
burgh and Black Swamp under WiUiam Moultrie, the victor 
at Fort Moultrie in 1776, to prevent the enemy from cross- 
ing the Savannah and moving against Charles Town. 

Availing himself of the critical moment when Lincoln 
was 150 miles up the Savannah River with the main force 
of the Southern army, Prevost, with 4,000 choice troops 
flanked by several hundred Indians and loyalists, pressed 
on with all despatch for the capture of Charles Town. 
Moultrie, left in command of South Carolina troops, con- 
tested the British advance at every point. There was a 
passage at arms at Tulifinny and another at Coosawhatchie 
Bridge, where Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, with a 
small force, opposed the enemy. Laurens was wounded, and 
lost half of the -eighteen Continentals who were with him. 
He was forced to retreat. Meanwhile, dispatches had been 
sent to Lincoln. But he could not be persuaded that Pre- 



144 The History of South Carolina. 

vest's march was anything but a feint designed to divert 
him from his operations in Georgia. 

190. Devastation. The country through which Prevost had 
to pass was singularly defenseless. The white people were 
few and far between; the negroes numerous. The red men 
and loyalists scattered themselves along the route searching 
all the plantations which were known to belong to wealthy 
planters. They sacked, burned, robbed, and committed all 
manner of excesses. The seat of the Bull family at Sheldon, 
distinguished for its owner. General Stephen Bull, was 
burned. Houses were plundered of their plate, slaves were 
carried off, and defenseless women brutally treated. As 
soon as they apprehended the danger to their families, 
men under Moultrie's command set forth to their homes. 
Nothing could stay them. Before Moultrie could reach 
Ashley River half of his army had abandoned him to pro- 
tect their homes. 

191. Defenses Looked After. The mihtia in the vicinity 
was hurriedly collected. The whole country was in com- 
motion. Moultrie, with the remnant of his thousand mi- 
litiamen, was hurrying to the defense of the city. Governor 
Rutledge was pressing down with 600 men, whom he had 
collected at the rendezvous at Orangeburgh; and Colonel 
Harris, with a detachment of 250 light-troops, had been 
despatched by Lincoln, in advance of his own march, to the 
assistance of the threatened city. These last three bodies 
reached Charles Town before the British had yet crossed 
the Ashley; and the troops were drilled, and works were 
erected against the coming of the enemy. 

192. Demand Surrender. Accounts differ largely as to 
the events of the ensuing hours. Prevost waited a day 
before demanding the surrender of the town. The garrison 
stood at arms all night expecting the attack to begin at once. 
Governor Rutledge knew that his feeble force could not 



The History of South Carolina. 145 

long prevent the entrance. A treaty was proposed. Some 
writers of the time say that the treaty proposed neutrahty 
until the end of the war when the fate of Charles Town 
would be determined by the treaty of peace; others that 
substantial concessions to the city and South Carolina were 
demanded. It was also said that the governor and Council, 
hearing that Lincoln was close at hand, offered the treaty 
only to gain time. For reasons also unknown the treaty 
proposed was refused by Prevost. Moultrie, however, re- 
fused to consider surrendering and prepared himself for 
attack. 

193. Retreat of the British. General Lincoln, instead of 
rushing to the aid of the beleagured city, unaccountably 
lingered along the way. By forced marches he could have 
reached Charles Town at the same time as Prevost. For- 
tunately, a letter of his to the city telling of his approach 
was intercepted by Prevost. On the night of the 11th of 
May, fearing the approach in his rear of a too formidable 
army under Lincoln, he recrossed the Ashley and hastened 
down to the sea-islands. The people of Charles Town awak- 
ened on the 13th of May to find the enemy gone. It was a 
day of great rejoicing in the city. For the second time 
since the war began Charles Town had escaped capture. 

194. The End of Campaign of 1779. Prevost fell back to 
Stono Ferry which was within thirty miles of the city and 
remained there for about a month when he evacuated this 
post and returned to Savannah. While Prevost was en- 
camped at Stono, General Lincoln attacked him, but was 
unsuccessful. 

A plan was now formed to retake Savannah from the 
British. Arrangements were made with Count D'Estaign, 
who, with a French fleet of forty-one sail, had just taken 
possession of two British islands in the West Indies, to co- 
operate with General Lincoln in taking Savannah. The 



146 The History of South Carolina. 

attempt was made October 9, 1779, but failed. Both the 
French fleet and the land force sustained heavy losses, 
nearly a thousand men being slain or wounded. Among 
the South CaroHnians who were killed at this seige was 
Sergeant Jasper, the brave man who replanted the crescent 
flag on the walls of Fort Moultrie, June 28, 1776. Sergeant 
Jasper lost his life at Savannah in again trying to save the 
colors of his regiment. With this unsuccessful attempt the 
campaign of 1779 ended in the South. 

195. New Attempt at Conquering the South. Sir Henry 
Clinton was commander-in-chief of the British forces in 
America. His plan of campaign was to subdue the southern 
States and then march from the South to the North. Colo- 
nel Campbell and General Prevost had been sent to accom- 
plish this, but having failed to capture Charles Town, Sir 
Henry determined to^ come himself. It was thought that 
once Charles Town was in the hands of the British, many 
loyalists in South Carohna, North Carolina, and Georgia 
would join the British and that with these loyalists they 
would conquer the States from South to North. 

Another consideration was the wealth of the State. Pre- 
vost's march of vandalism from Savannah to Charles Town 
had disclosed the fact that the State was rich in resources 
and that jewels, silver, and plate could be found in abun- 
dance. The failure of the attack on Savannah prepared 
the way for the fall of Charles Town. The departure of the 
French fleet removed the chief obstacle to this enterprise. 
There were several other concurring causes that invited the 
investment of Charles Town. The unfortunate expedition 
against Florida had totally broken up the Southern army. 
The South Carolina regiments were thinned by sickness to 
mere skeletons; the Virginia and North Carohna forces 
were all melted away, chiefly by the expiration of their 
time of enlistment. The Georgia regiments filled the prison- 



The History of South Carolina. 147 

ships of the invaders. The possession of Georgia by the 
British disarmed the patriotic citizens, and gave strength 
and activity to the royaUsts and Indians. South Carolina 
was, in brief, a frontier hemmed in on three sides by bitter 
and uncompromising enemies. The loyahsts of North 
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida; the Indians — always ready 
for war, which is a kindred life with that of the hunter — 
were gathering in restless and roving bands upon her bor- 
ders. The conquest of Charles Town thus promised to be 
easy. The reduction of the whole State, and, probably, 
that of North Carolina, would ensue. No obstacle would 
then remain in the way of an uninterrupted backward path 
of conquest through Virginia, from the Savannah to the 
Delaware. 

196. The British Arrive. In February, 1780, Clinton ar- 
rived in South Carolina with 13,000 picked troops. He 
disembarked on John's Island and placed his men in ad- 
vantageous positions around the back entrance of Charles 
Town. His ships-of-war at the same time crossed the bar 
and passing Fort Moultrie with a fair wind, avoided a second 
combat with that fortress. Colonel Pinckney, who com- 
manded the fort, kept up a brisk fire upon them which in- 
flicted much damage, but the royal fleet came to anchor 
within long shot of the town batteries. Thereupon the 
forces at Fort Moultrie were withdrawn to the city and the 
fort fell into the hands of the enemy. The garrison in Charles 
Town consisted of not more than 4,000 men who were now 
to meet the assault of the British army. 

197. The Siege Begins. The British summoned the town 
to surrender on the 12th of April. This was refused and the 
attack was begun. The fire of the besiegers soon showed 
itself to be far superior to that of the beseiged. The British 
lines continued to approach and by the 20th of April they 
were within 300 yards of the city. The Americans soon 



148 The History of South Carolina. 

perceived the hopelessness of their situation. Councils of 
war were called and terms of capitulation offered the be- 
siegers. These were rejected and the siege was continued. 

198. City at Point of Starvation. On the 26th of April, a 
plan of retreat by night was proposed in council but re- 
jected as impracticable. On the 6th of May, Clinton re- 
newed his former terms for the surrender of the garrison. 
At this time, the provisions of the city were not sufficient 
for a week's rations. There was no prospect either of sup- 
phes or reinforcements. The engineers admitted that the 
fines could not be maintained ten days longer, and might 
be carried by assault in ten minutes. General Lincoln was 
disposed to accept Cfinton's offer, but he was opposed by 
the citizens, who were required by Cfinton to be considered 
prisoners on parole. To their suggestion of other terms, 
they received for answer that hostifities should be renewed 
at eight o'clock. 

199. The Last Stand. At nine in the evening, the batteries 
of the garrison were reopened, and being answered by those 
of the British, the fight was resumed with more vigor than 
had been displayed at any time from the beginning of the 
siege. Ships and galleys, the forts on James' and John's 
Islands, on Wappoo Cut, and the main army on the neck, 
united in one voluminous discharge of iron upon the garri- 
son. Shells were thrown incessantly into the town, in all 
quarters, and it was everywhere covered by the cannon of 
the assailants. The city was on fire in several places; and, 
by this time, the parties were within speaking distance of 
each other, and the rifles of the Hessian Yagers were fired 
at so short a distance as never to be discharged without 
effect. The defenders could no longer show themselves 
above the lines with safety. A hat raised upon a cane was 
instantly riddled with bullets. 



The History of South Carolina. 149 

200. Surrender. On the 12th of May, the British advanced 
within twenty-five yards of the city. All further defense 
was hopeless. Lincoln was obliged to capitulate. For 
nearly three months, with less than 3,000 ill-fed, ill-clad, 
undisciphned men he had maintained himself in walls, the 
lines of which required at least three times that number to 
man them. He had thus long withstood fully 12,000 of the 
best troops in the British service headed by their best 
generals. The terms of surrender were not harsh in the case 
of a town reduced to extremity. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
RISING OF THE PARTISANS. 

201. South Carolina in British Hands. Under the terms 
of capitulation it was agreed that the militia in Charles 
Town should be allowed to go home as prisoners of war on 
parole. The Continental troops were to be held prisoners 
until exchanged. The citizens of the city were to be re- 
garded as prisoners of war. Before the city fell, Governor 
Rutledge escaped with the purpose of making his way into 
North Carolina. About a dozen officers and soldiers of the 
Continental line were not captured when Charles Town fell 
because they were on various missions in the country or on 
sick leave. The militia throughout the State followed the 
example of the regular forces and surrendered. Among 
the militia officers who thus surrendered were General 
Andrew Williamson and Colonel Andrew Pickens. Sir Henry 
Clinton wrote back to London: 'T may venture to assert 
that there are few men in South Carolina who are not either 
our prisoners or in arms with us." 

At this crisis in the affairs of the State news came through 
John Mathews, who was representing South Carolina in 
the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, that the question 
of sacrificing South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia 
to save the northern States was being considered in the 
Congress, it being thought that an agreement could be 
reached with England by which their independence would 
be secured if they would consent to leave her in undisputed 
possession of the southern States. This news aroused the 
utmost indignation in South Carolina. It was looked upon 
as the basest treachery. If abandoned by the Congress it 
was felt that its cause was hopeless. The State was in the 
hands of the British. The chief city had fallen, almost the 



The History of South Carolina. 151 

entire militia had surrendered to the enemy ;the southern 
Continental army was cooped in prison in Charles Town, and 
its leaders in the war were under parole. The patriot cause 
in South Carolina was represented now by one man, Gov- 
ernor Rutledge, who had fled in the night from Charles 
Town to North Carolina. 

202. Establishing British Posts. Sir Henry Clinton, upon 
the capture of Charles Town, made his plans to return to 
New York, leaving Lord Cornwallis in command of the 
State. Lord CornwalHs sent Lieutenant Colonel Balfour 
along the Congaree to Ninety Six and Lieutenant Colonel 
Brown up the Savannah to Augusta to establish posts at 
these points. He himself, Lord Rawdon, and Colonel Tar- 
leton with the largest portion of the British army crossed 
the Santee and moved to Camden. Georgetown, Beaufort, 
and Savannah were garrisoned by British soldiers. The 
citizens of these towns, on hearing of the approach of the 
British, hastened to apply for protection on the same terms 
which had been granted the fallen city of Charles Town. 
The State was now prostrate. 

203. Tarleton's Massacre. Colonel Buford, who with a 
Virginia Continental regiment of about 400 men was on 
his way to relieve Charles Town, heard of the fall of the city 
and at the approach of the British attempted to escape into 
North Carolina. Cornwallis, learning of his flight, sent 
Colonel Tarleton in pursuit. Tarleton came upon Buford 
near the Waxhaws. A battle ensued in which Buford 
was completely defeated. His troops cried for quarter, but 
this plea produced no effect upon the assailants. A terrible 
butchery followed. Wounded men who had fallen were 
inhumanly mutilated while the life was still in their bodies. 
The battle equaled an Indian massacre in its brutahty. 
Buford's little force was cut to pieces while the British lost 
scarcely a dozen men. The people of the Waxhaws settle- 



152 



The History of South Carolina. 



ment carried the wounded to their homes, but so horribly 
were they mangled that but few survived. 

204. Effect of the Massacre. The tragedy of this fearful 
massacre impressed itself deeply upon the minds of these 
people of the Waxhaws who, indifferent to the grievances 
of the people of the Low-Country, had not joined them in 
rebellion. It was a shock to them to see such an exhibition 
of inhumanity. ''Tarleton's quarter" became proverbial. 

The massacre aroused a 
spirit of revenge which was 
augmented by alarming re- 
ports from all parts of the 
State of the rapacious plun- 
dering of the British armies. 
Commanders openly shared 
in the proceeds of the plun- 
der. Thousands of slaves 
were shipped to a market in 
the West Indies. Mercan- 
tile stores, gold and silver 
plate, indigo, the produce 
of the country, were taken. 
They plundered by sys- 
tem, forming a general 
stock, and designating com- 
missaries of captures. 
Spoil, collected in this way, 
was sold for the benefit of the royal army, apart from what 
was sold in South Carolina, several vessels were sent abroad 
for market, laden with property taken from Carolinians. 

In this pillaging the British made the mistake of not 
distinguishing between friends and foes. They plundered 
the property of the Scotch Presbyterians who were indif- 




General Thomas Sumter, Comman- 
der After the Fall of Charles Town 
of All the Militia of South Carolina. 



The History of South Carolina. 153 

ferent to the contest. The soldiers were turned loose to 
commit their depredations against these Scotch as well as 
the rebels. Their churches were burnt, their ministers in- 
sulted. Thus this element in the State was antagonized 
and converted into implacable enemies of the crown. 

This discontent was ciystalized into open resistance by a 
proclamation of the British which released the citizens of 
the State from the paroles which they had given and re- 
quired them to swear allegiance to the king and to take up 
arms against those of their countrymen who were still re- 
sisting British forces in America. South Carolinians considered 
this a violation of the promise made them upon capitulation 
that they should be prisoners upon parole during the re- 
mainder of the war. They were not wiUing to take arms 
under the British standard. 

205. South Carolinians Aroused. The South Carolinians, 
now released from their paroles, were roused to vengeance 
for the treatment which they were receiving at the hands of 
the British. New leaders sprang up who had not been active 
in the discussions which preceded the Revolution. These, 
with the encouragement of Governor Rutledge, who was 
now in Philadelphia begging aid from Congress, came into 
the field and achieved the salvation of South Carolina. It is 
said that without the aid of these partisan leaders of South 
CaroHna the independence of America would never have 
been gained. 

We shall see now a change in the theatre of war in South 
Carolina from the region along the coast to the Piedmont. 
The campaign begins in the summer of 1780 on the border 
hne of North and South Carolina and is carried on by men 
who have taken the field of their own accord and not at the 
direction of the State government. Steadily, though with 
many discouraging reverses, we shall see these partisans 
driving the British from their estabhshed posts in the Up- 



154 



The History of South Carolina. 



Country until by the end of 1781 the enemy is cooped up 
in Charles Town. The leaders of the Continental forces in 
South Carolina achieved no marked successes. But for the 
assistance rendered them by the partisan militia troops of 
the State they would probably have been driven from the 
State or captured by the British. 

The commanding officers of the three brigades of militia 

of the State who directed 
the operations of these self 
drafted patriots were 
Thomas Sumter, Francis 
Marion, and Andrew 
Pickens. 

206. Thomas Sumter. 
Thomas Sumter had come 
to South Carolina as an 
Indian trader about the 
time of the outbreak of 
the Cherokee War. Soon 
after that war ended he 
engaged in planting on the 
Santee River. At the be- 
ginning of the Revolution, 
Sumter was an officer in 
the Camden District regiment of militia and served as 
adjutant in the ''Snow Camp" expedition. In February, 
1776, he was elected commandant of the South Carolina 
regiment, which subsequently became the Sixth Continental 
regiment, and participated in Thomson's defeat of Clinton, 
at Breach Inlet, June 28, 1776. He resigned from the Con- 
tinental service in 1778, and was without a command until 
the summer of 1780 when he was conspicuous in reorganiz- 
ing the militia troops of the eastern part of the State. These 




General Francis Marion, Commander 
of the Lower Brigade of Militia. 



The History of South Carolina. 155 

troops requested Governor Rutledge to appoint him briga- 
dier general whicli the governor did, giving him command 
of all the militia of the State. 

Sumter was a large man and possessed great strength. 
He was distinguished for his fearlessness and his unbending 
patriotism. He was a great fighter and always heedless of 
personal danger. He often rushed into battle ill prepared 
and with inferior force, and vanquished the enemy by sheer 
audacity. With these characteristics we can readily see how 
he soon earned for himself the soubriquet of ''Gamecock." 

207. Francis Marion. General Marion served in the Chero- 
kee War in 1760-61, and was Major of the 2nd Regiment 
at the battle of Fort Moultrie. He was one of the defenders 
of Charles Town at the invasion of Prevost, and had fought 
at Savannah when the Carolinians, with the aid of Count 
D'Estaing, had unsuccessfully besieged that town. He had 
also been at Charles Town when it was last besieged by 
Clinton, but, fortunately for South Carohna, sprained an 
ankle, got a furlough before the surrender of the city, and 
went to his plantation. Upon the approach of a Continental 
army to South Carolina, Marion was ordered to report to 
the commander of that army. Baron DeKalb, at Hillsboro, 
N. C, which order he, along with other Continental officers 
not on parole, immediately complied with. Soon afterward, 
General Horatio Gates superseded DeKalb in command of 
the Continental army. Gates ordered Marion to proceed 
to the Santee River, to gather the militia thereabouts, and 
to patrol the crossings of the river to prevent the escape of 
the British army towards Charles Town. Shortly after this 
Marion reorganized the Craven County regiment of militia. 
With detachments from this force from time to time he 
defeated or captured small parties of the enemy. In Novem- 
ber, 1780, Governor Rutledge appointed him brigadier 



156 



The History of South Carolina. 



general of the lower brigade of South Carolina militia. It 
was in this capacity that he became famous. 

Marion, who had a marked gift for strategy, was small 
and wiry with an extremely lithe figure. He was hardy and 
strong with a stern cast of feature. He camped in the thick- 
nesses of the swamps where he subjected his men to rigid 

discipline. Marion was 
thoroughly familiar with 
the hiding places in the 
woods in the Peedee sec- 
tion where his home was, 
and after an attack would 
fall into retirement where 
he could be discovered by 
neither friend nor foe. Be- 
cause of this method of 
warfare, he was known as 
the "Swamp Fox." 

209. Andrew Pickens. 

Andrew Pickens began his 

career in the Revolution 

as a captain in the Ninety 

'>^ ^^^ Six District Regiment, un- 

General Andrew Tickens, Comman- ^Cr Colonel Andrew Will- 

der of the Upper Brigade of iamsou. When Williamson 
^^^^*^^' became brigadier general, 

Pickens was made a colonel. At the time Charles Town 
fell and the British overran the State, Williamson and 
Pickens both surrendered and were paroled. Subsequently, 
they took the oath of allegiance, regarding the British 
conquest of South Carolina as complete. Soon after taking 
the oath of allegiance, a British force raided the plan- 
tation of Colonel Pickens and carried off horses and other 
property. Taking this act as a violation on the part of 




The History of South Carolina. ^ 157 

the British of the terms of his oath of allegiance, he re- 
sumed activities against them. So successful were these 
activities that in January, 1781, Governor Rutledge ap- 
pointed him brigadier general of the upper brigade of militia. 

209. Partisan Border Warfare. In the meanwhile, under 
British auspices, the Loyalists, or Tories, as they were 
called, grew active and audacious on the North Carolina 
border. A large body of these in North Carolina had col- 
lected at Ramsour's Mill in that State under Colonel Moore. 
A detachment of General Rutherford's militia attacked 
and defeated them. Friends and neighbors, some styled 
patriots, some Tories, fought one another. It was said 
that during the battle neighbors recognized each other. 
This defeat completely crushed the Tory element in North 
Carolina. 

South Carolina was having a more difficult time putting 
down the Tories within her borders. Soon after the mas- 
sacre of Buford's troops by Tarleton, word came that the 
Tories had gathered at Mobley's Meeting House near 
Winnsboro. Colonel Bratton and Captain McLure with a 
party of patriots dispersed these. Tories at Beckham's 
Old Field, in what is now Chester County, had also been 
scattered by hastily gathered bodies of patriots. The 
people were now fully aroused and determined to fight to 
the death the British and their allies, the Tories. 

210. Sumter Returns. After the battle of Ramsour's Mill, 
General Sumter appHed to the Assembly of North Carolina 
for the wagons, horses, and provisions which had been 
captured from the Tories in that battle. This was granted, 
and rallying his little force, which he strengthened by 
volunteers from North Carolina, he returned to his own 
State at the very moment when the cause of its liberty 
seemed almost hopeless. 



158 The History of South Carolina. 

The attitude of this forlorn few was no less melancholy 
than gallant. The British were everywhere triumphant — 
the Americans despondent — the State being without any do- 
mestic government, and utterly unable to furnish arms, 
clothing, or provisions to this little band. 

Seldom did patriots take the field with so few encourage- 
ments or so many difficulties. The iron tools of the neigh- 
boring farms were worked up into rude weapons of war by 
ordinary blacksmiths. The partisans suppHed themselves, 
in part, with bullets by melting the pewter which was given 
them by housewives. Sometimes they came into battle with 
less than three rounds to a man; and one-half were obliged 
to keep at a distance until supplied with arms by the fall of 
comrades or enemies. When victorious, they relied upon the 
dead for the ammunition for their next campaign. 

With this little band, Sumter returned to the State and 
established himself in what is now Lancaster County. In 
the two bloody years which followed he was to be a terror 
to the British forces which garrisoned the country between 
the Saluda and the Catawba. 

211. South Carolina a Hotbed of Resistance. While 
Sumter made raids between Ninety Six and Camden, other 
leaders, including Davie, Bratton, McLure, Hill, Neal, Clark, 
Hammond, and many others, who, with their little troops 
of volunteers, intercepted convoys of provisions to the 
British force, fell upon their advance guards and harassed 
them in every possible fashion. Between the middle of 
July and the middle of August twelve regular engagements 
had taken place in which about 300 British and Tories had 
been killed and about 200 taken prisoners. 

212. Engagement at Williamson's Plantation. The first 
of these engagements was fought on the 12th of July at 
Williamson's plantation, in what is now York County. This 
place was in the possession of Captain Huck, a British sol- 



The History of South Carolina. 159 

dier noted for his cruelty. He had a detachment of Tories 
under his command and had camped at several plantations 
where he had committed numerous outrages. Reports of 
his march being brought to Sumter's camp he detached 
Colonel Bratton and Captain McLure to make an attack. 
The British and Tories, not expecting an enemy, were posted 
at a disadvantage in a lane, both ends of which were entered 
at the same time by Sumter's men. Huck was killed and 
his troops completely routed. Another band of patriots 
defeated the British with heavy loss at Cedar Springs, in 
what is now Spartanburg County. 

213. Engagements at Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock. 
The success of Sumter and of the officers acting under him 
rallied around him the people of the neighborhood and his 
little force soon amounted to 600 men. At the head of this 
force, on the 30th of July, he made a spirited, but unsuc- 
cessful, attack on the British post at Rocky Mount. Baffled 
in this attempt, he passed without delay to the attack of 
another post at the Hanging Rock, at which a large force 
of regulars and Tories were stationed. Here his assault 
was more successful. The Prince of Wales' regiment was 
annihilated and the Tories under Colonel Bryan, of North 
Carolina, were totally routed and dispersed. 

214. Success of the Partisans. These successes of Sumter 
and others tended greatly to encourage the Carolinians, 
and to abate the panic which had been occasioned by the 
fall of Charles Town. Little partisan bands rose in arms in 
every section of the State — falling upon British and Tories 
whenever there was reasonable prospect of success, and 
pressing from point to" point wherever they heard of the 
appearance of the loyalist or British party. The sudden 
appearance in the field of such men as Sumter and Marion, 
almost simultaneously in so many different parts of the 
State, at once disconcerted the British. In less than six 




a 

o 

x/i 



The History of South Carolina. 161 

weeks after the fall of Charles Town, hundreds of bold and 
daring champions had sprung up, like the dragon's teeth, 
from the soil, and each of them had achieved some notable 
successes. 

215. In the Peede/e. The people in the country adjacent 
to the Peedee were suffering greatly from the- atrocities of 
the British and the Tories. Houses had been burnt, planta- 
tions laid waste, store-houses pillaged, murders committed, 
and many outrages perpetrated upon the inhabitants. Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Marion, returning from North Carohna, took 
this section as his theatre of action. The militia of this 
region had already arisen and Marion was invited to take 
command of the little force that had gathered. On the 12th 
of August, they attacked a large body of British and Tories 
at Port's Ferry and routed them successfully. This was 
the last of the twelve battles which began with the engage- 
ment at Williamson's plantation on the 12th of July. These 
were the only engagements recorded, but there was scarcely 
a thicket or swamp in the Peedee, the Waxhaws, or the 
district between the Saluda and the Catawba which was not 
marked by a skirmish. 

216. The Coming of General Gates. News came that 
General Gates of the Continental Army was on the march 
to the aid of South Carolina. There was great rejoicing at 
this. South Carohna, however, was already fighting her 
own battles bravely. Volunteer bands had sprung up in 
the night like mushrooms, and officers without commissions, 
pay, provisions, or even necessary clothing, were leading 
them daily to little victories. Marion in the Peedee, and 
Sumter, and others, in the upper part of the State had pre- 
pared the way for the coming of General Gates. All ex- 
pected to join under his leadership and win a decisive victory 
which would turn the tide of war in favor of the CaroHnians. 



162 



The History of South Carolina. 



217. The March to Camden. While the siege of Charles 
Town was impending, some fourteen hundred Continentals 




Monument to Baron DeKalb in Camden. 

had been ordered by Congress to its relief. They were con- 
fided to the command of Major General Baron DeKalb, a 



The History of South Carolina. 1G3 

brave German and an officer of the French army. But, lack- 
ing means of transportation, without cash or credit, the pro- 
gress of these troops had been too slow for the succor of the 
besieged city. They were still on the mr.rch when the tid- 
ings were received of the fall of Charles Town. The army 
was halted at Hillsboro, N. C, where DeKalb was super- 
seded in command by General Gates, who had achieved fame 
by capturing Burgoyne's army at Saratoga. Gates had no 
sooner arrived than he issued orders to his troops to hold 
themselves in readiness for marching, and on the 27th of 
July the army was under way, over a barren country, in 
direct opposition to the counsel of all his officers. The 
troops were without provisions and clothes, many without 
arms, and suffering from fatigue. Still, the army was in- 
creo-sed in its progress by accessions, from Virginia and the 
Carolinas, of lean detachments; and with a little delay to 
permit of the coming of the militia, and the procuring of 
arms and supphes, it might have been swollen to a very 
respectable force of four or five thousand men. Sanguine 
of success. Gates pressed on, reaching Clermont on the High 
Hills of the Santee on the 13th of August. 

218. Sumter Surprises British Convoy. Here Gates was 
informed by General Sumter of the advance of a considerable 
convoy of British wagons on the route from McCord's Ferry 
to Camden and was solicited by that brave partisan for a 
small reinforcement to enable him to capture them. Four 
hundred men were detached on this service. Sumter sur- 
prised the convoy successfully and took 100 prisoners. With 
the prisoners and supplies in his possession he retreated up 
the C?-tawba River. 

219. On to Camden. Gates now put his army under 
marching orders to Camden, where the British maintained 
a strong force under Lord Rawdon. Gates was in ignorance 
of several facts which it was of infinite importance that he 



164 The History of South Carolina. 

should have known. He did not know that by forced marches 
Lord Cornwallis had reached Camden from Charles Town, 
bringing with him a considerable detachment. With a 
picked force of more than two thousand men Cornwallis 
took up his Hue of march from Camden to meet his enemy 
at the very hour when Gates left Clermont. Gates had given 
himself little time to learn anything and had committed a 
variety of blunders. He hurried his men when fatigued, 
without necessity, and commenced a night movement with 
untried militia in the face of an enemy. 

220. The Defeat of Gates. The battle began with the 
dawn of day on August 16th and ended in the utter defeat 
of Gates. The artillery was lost; the cavalry swallowed up 
in the woods and the regular infantry reduced to a mere 
point in the field. DeKalb fell, Gates fled, and Cornwallis, 
observing that there was no cavalry opposed to him, poured 
in his dragoons, now returning from pursuit of the fugitives, 
and ended the contest. 

The Americans lost the whole of their artillery, upward of 
two hundred wagons, and all their baggage. The loss of the 
British, in killed and wounded, was about three hundred. 

221. The British Surprise Sumter. Sumter, retreating up 
the Catawba after his capture of the convoy, was pursued 
by Tarleton. His movements were necessarily greatly im- 
peded. He had with him forty baggage-wagons, filled with 
booty of the very kind that the Americans were most in 
need of, and was encumbered by 300 prisoners. Tarleton, 
never relaxing his pursuit a moment, succeeded in overtaking 
him. He came suddenly upon the camp of the Americans, 
near Fishing Creek, and a complete surprise was effected. 
The British cavalry burst upon the militiamen when there 
was not a man standing to his arms, and threw themselves 
between the men and the parade where their muskets were 
stacked. The carnage was dreadful, and the aggregate loss 



The History of South Carolina. 165 

in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was very little short of 
that sustained by Gates in his defeat at Camden. 

Sumter himself had the good fortune to escape; but very 
few of his officers or men got off. South Carolina was in 
much worse condition than before the arrival of General 
Gates. 

This is one of several instances of blundering of Conti- 
nental officers of high rank. In 1776, if President Rutledge 
had heeded the Contj^ental general, Lee, Fort Moultrie 
would have been abandoned and that splendid victory lost. 
In May, 1779, Charles Town had almost fallen by General 
Lincoln's unwise march to Augusta, thus opening the way 
for General Prevost, and in August, 1780, General Gates 
had brought defeat at Camden by his lack of foresight. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
PARTISANS TURN THE TIDE. 

222. Battle of Musgrove Mill. A British post had been 
estabUshed at Musgrove's Mill, in what is now Laurens 
County. About the time of the ignominious defeat of Gates 
at Qamden a plan was formed in a patriot camp, in what is 
now York County, to attack this post. The British and loyal- 
ists learning of the proposed attack went forward to meet it. 
They fell into an ambuscade which the patriots had laid for 
them. Taken by surprise, the regulars fled, breaking through 
the fiery circle of the ambuscade at a great loss of life. The 
militiamen were left. to their fate. The British lost over 200 
in killed, wounded, and prisoners. 

Colonel Ferguson, near Camden, hearing of the defeat, im- 
mediately started in pursuit of the victorious patriots, but 
by a forced march they escaped into North Carolina before 
they could be attacked. 

223. Marion in the Peedee. Marion was busy in the 
Peedee at this time. Like Sumter, utterly unfurnished with 
the means of war at first, he procured them in the same man- 
ner. He took possession of, the saws from the mills and con- 
verted them into sabres. For weeks, his force did not exceed 
seventy-five; sometimes they were reduced to one-third that 
number. All were volunteers from the militia. 

Yet, even with this inconsiderable band, he maintained 
his ground, secure amidst hundreds of enemies. For months, 
their only shelter was the green wood and the swamp. 
Hardened by exposure, and stimulated by the strongest of 
motives of patriotism, they sallied forth from these hiding- 
places when their presence was least expected, and the first 
tidings of their approach were conveyed in the flashing 
sabre and the whizzing shot. They were perpetually en- 



The History of South Carolina. . 1G7 

gaged in skirmishes which history does not record, and 
which are only cherished in local tradition. Marion led his 
followers from thicket to thicket in safety. He hung upon 
the enemy's flanks along the march; he skirted his camp in 
the darkness of the night; he lay in wait for his foraging 
parties; he shot down his sentries, and never failed to harass 
the invader and extort from him a bloody toll at every pas- 
sage through swamp, thicket, or river, which his smaller 
parties made. 

224. Capture of Prisoners. Marion, hearing that some 
prisoners, taken at the defeat of Gates, about one hundred 
and fifty in number, were on the march to Charles Town 
under a strong escort, determined upon their rescue. Plac- 
ing his mounted miUtia in ambush, he darted upon the es- 
cort and succeeded in taking the whole party captive. Hav- 
ing put the arms of the British into the hands of the rescued 
Americans he hurried across the Santee and did not pause 
until his prisoners were safely disposed of within the limits 
of North Carolina. He was far upon his way before the 
parties detached by CornwaUis to drive him from his covert 
had reached the scene of his enterprise. 

225. State Fortunes at Low Ebb. These small successes 
were offset by the failure of an expedition under Colonel 
Clark, in September, to capture the British post at Augusta. 
Gates had fled to North Carolina after the defeat at Camden. 
Sumter had also escaped into that State after the loss of 
the captured stores, and Marion had taken refuge there 
after his capture of the prisoners. This left no prominent 
partisans in the State. 

In almost every section of the State the progress of the 
British was marked with blood. Many of the militia were 
executed on worthless pretexts and most frequently without 
the form of trial. Private citizens were made close prison- 
ers on board prison ships, where they perished of foul dis- 



168 The History of South Carolina. 

eases and without attention. From Charles Town alone, 
after the defeat of Gates, sixty of the principal inhabitants 
were transported to St. Augustine. Among these was 
Christopher Gadsden, who had been so instrumental in 
bringing on the Revolution; Edward Rutledge, who had 
been one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence; 
and Dr. David Ramsay, one of the prominent doctors of 
the State. The fortunes of the State were again at a very 
low ebb. 

Lord CornwaUis, feeling now that South Carolina lay 
prostrate at his feet, determined to march into North 
Carolina. This was part of the British plan to proceed from 
South to North. CornwaUis was not allowed, however, to 
march unmolested. In his progress through the Waxhaws 
he was harassed by Major William R. Davie, who, with a 
small cavalry force, dared to annoy his Lordship at every 
step of his advance. At Charlotte, Davie made a struggle 
before he yielded him the town. 

CornwaUis, having established himself there, found that 
he was in a hotbed of rebellion. His foraging parties were 
set upon by the patriot inhabitants of the neighborhood 
and he was unbearably annoyed in innumerable ways. 
One scouting party is said to have reported to CornwaUis 
on its return that "every bush on the road contained a 
rebel." 

226. Marion Returns to South Carolina. Word came to 
Marion, who, after the capture of the prisoners taken at 
Camden, had hastily retreated to North Carolina for safety, 
that the Pecdee section, which had been his favorite field 
of operations, was a scene of desolation and destruction as 
the result of a march by Major Weymys of the British 
forces through that region. The houses and churches on 
the banks of the Peedee, Lynch's Creek and Black River 
were destroyed by fire, the plantations devastated, the 



The History of South Carolina. 169 

slaves and cattle carried away, loom houses razed to the 
ground and store houses pillaged. Some of the older in- 
habitants, men too aged to fight, were hanged and others 
brutally treated. 

Marion, on hearing this news, returned to the State by 
a forced march. Arriving in the Peedee country, he again 
began his tactics in the swamps. In the month of Septem- 
ber he gained two victories, one at Black Mingo, the other 
at Tarcote Swamp. 

227. The Mountaineers Arising. It will be remembered 
that Colonel Ferguson had pursued the victors of Musgrove 
Mill, who had fled into North Carolina. He crossed the 
border in the pursuit, but the patriots had retreated to 
Watauga, in what is now Tennessee. Ferguson, with 1,500 
men, encamped at Gilberttown, North Carolina, and from 
there sent a messenger to threaten the Watauga camp with 
devastation if they resisted him. This aroused the moun- 
taineers and they decided to surprise Ferguson in his camp. 
The Watauga camp was composed of Virginians and North 
CaroHnians. They marched to Gilberttown, but found that 
Ferguson had retreated into South Carolina. The moun- 
taineers then crossed the line with the intention of joining 
the South Carolinians. 

Being all mounted men, and unincumbered with baggage, 
their movements were prompt and rapid. Each man set 
forth with his blanket and rifle, in the manner of a hunter. 
The several bands thus collected from remote parts ren- 
dezvoused at length at Cowpens, in what is now Spartan- 
burg County. There were about 1,500 men thus collected 
for the pursuit of Ferguson. He, meanwhile, was making 
his way to unite with Cornwallis. It was important to over- 
take him before he could effect this junction. Accordingly, 
910 of the best mounted of the patriot army were selected 
for the pursuit. The Americans overtook Ferguson within 



The History of South Carolina. 171 

five or six miles of King's Mountain proper. He occupied 
one of the lower steps of the mountain, a long narrow ridge 
thinly covered with woods and easy of ascent. The Ameri- 
cans divided themselves into four bodies, each led by its 
own colonel. By common consent the general command 
was confided to Colonel Campbell of Virginia. 

228. Victory for the Patriots. A simultaneous attack from 
all quarters was clearly the best method of defeating the 
enemy. The several divisions accordingly prepared them- 
selves to ascend the ridge, advancing under cover of the 
trees and delivering their fire as they came. In this way 
they all proceeded to ascend the hill at nearly the same 
moment. The plans of the mountaineers, though simple, 
were singularly effective. Ferguson's men fell around him 
on every side. Still he refused to surrender. His shrill 
silver whistle was heard over all the noises of the combat, 
and he sped from side to side with invincible determination. 
The conflict was ended only by his fall. 

The havoc had been terrible on the side of the British. 
Thirteen hundred men were killed, wounded, and captured, 
but 200 escaping. Fifteen hundred stands of arms fell into 
the hands of the Americans. They lost but few men. With- 
out Continental leaders the patriots had led themselves to 
victory. 

229. Return of Cornwallis. On learning the result of the 
battle of King's Mountain, Lord Cornwallis beat a hasty 
retreat into South Carolina, realizing that the State that 
he had thought conquered was still active in defense. General 
Sumter had established himself near Charlotte in order to 
harass the British comriiander. The sharp-shooters of the 
Carolinas penetrated the very lines of Cornwallis, and, 
under the shelter of shrul), tree, and hillock, picked off his 
sentries. Such was their audacity, that, on his march from 
Charlotte to Winnsboro, a single rifleman would often ride 



172 The History of South Carolina. 

up within gunshot of his army, single out his victim, and, 
having discharged his piece, ride off in safety. 

230. Pursuing the "Swamp Fox" and the **Game Cock." 

Marion was so active in the Peedee country where he camped 
on Snow Island, in intercepting British convoys and in 
falling unexpectedly upon the enemy, that Cornwallis, as 
soon as he reached Winnsboro, sent Tarleton to pursue him. 
Marion, learning of his superiority in numbers, eluded him 
warily, and Tarleton, bogging in the swamps in vain search 
of him, finally gave up the quest. He turned his attention 
to Sumter who was encamped near Fishdam Ford, in what 
is now Union County. Spies informed Tarleton of the 
exact position of the patriot camp and of its strength. 
Tarleton despatched Major Weymys to surprise it. 

Fortunately, Sumter had given more than usual strength 
to his advance guard. Fires had been Hghted in front of 
his line, and his men were ordered, in case of alarm, to form 
so far in the rear of the fires, as to be concealed, while the 
approaching enemy would be conspicuous in their light. 

The videttes and pickets did their duty, and the guard 
was ready to receive the attack. The British were driven 
from the field. Weymys fell into the hands of the patriots. 
In Major Weymys' pocket was found a list of the houses 
he had destroyed in the Peedee section. 

231. Battle of Blackstocks. After this affair Sumter left 
Fishdam and was pursued by Tarleton with the headlong 
haste which marked all the movements of that warrior. 
He came upon General Sumter at Blackstocks on the 20th 
of November, 1780. Learning that all of Tarleton's forces 
had not come up with him, Sumter began the assault. The 
result was a victory for the patriots: Tarleton had 92 killed 
and 100 wounded. The patriots had three wounded and 
one killed, but one of the wounded was General Sumter, 
who received a severe wound in the breast which kept him 



The History of South Carolina. 173 

some length of time from service. Cornwallis congratulated 
Tarleton upon disabling Sumter, saying that the latter had 
certainly been his ' 'greatest plague in this country." 

232. The Close of the Year 1780. The year 1780 was 
nearing its close. News came that General Nathanael 
Greene had been appointed to succeed Gates in command of 
the Continental army in the South. Since the defeat at 
Camden, Gates had lain idle at Hillsboro, North Carolina, 
with the remnant of his army, while the partisans had been 
fighting almost daily in South Carolina. During 1780, 
there had been thirty-four separate battles fought in this 
State and fighting one day in every four of the year. In 
only eight of these battles Continental troops had been 
engaged, while the other twenty-six had been fought by the 
partisans without governmental aid or pay. After each 
battle these volunteers would return to their homes to see 
after their families, meeting again on some appointed day. 
These partisans had killed, wounded, or captured 2,486 of 
the British and had kept Cornwallis from leaving the State 
and pursuing his triumphant march toward the North. 
This was of the greatest importance to the cause of inde- 
pendence as the American army in the North could not have 
withstood the combined British armies of the North and 
South. 

233. Arrival of General Greene. General Greene arrived 
in Charlotte in December, 1780. He brought only himself 
to the aid of the South. No army came with him to resist 
the British who had 5,000 men, exclusive of loyalists, sta- 
tioned at their various posts in this State. 

General Greene established himself near the present site 
of the town of Cheraw in order to recruit his little army and 
to mature his plans. 

234. Three December Victories. On Greene's arrival, he 
was greeted with the good news of the surrender of a British 



174 The History of South Carolina. 

force under Colonel Rugeley to Colonel William Washington, 
who had been detached for that purpose by Morgan. 

Washington showed himself on December 4th, 1780, be- 
fore the British post near Camden which was held by Rugeley, 
a colonel of militia, whose genius for war was singularly 
undeveloped for one of his rank. The post was a stockade, 
garrisoned by about 100 men. Washington was without 
artillery; but, eager to get possession, he resorted to strata- 
gem in the absence of the proper arms. A pine log, hewn to 
resemble a cannon, was mounted on a pair of wagon wheels 
and brought up in view of the stockade with due formali- 
ties by Washington's men. With his stockade menaced by 
the pine log field piece, Rugeley surrendered at the first 
summons. 

A second victory had been won by Colonel Washington 
at Hammond's Store, in what is now Abbeville County, 
where a large party of Tories was put to flight, 150 of 
whom were slain. 

The third success in December was achieved at Wiliam- 
son's plantation, in what is now York County. This place 
is known as the scene of the first of the partisan battles 
which took place on the 12th of July previously. At the 
second battle, Robert Cuningham, the man who had stirred 
up so much trouble in the '^Back Country" in 1775, was in 
command of about one hundred and fifty Tories. These 
were put to flight by a detachment from Colonel Washing- 
ton's command. The stockade with its provisions was 
destroyed. 



N. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
PARTISANS CAPTURE BRITISH POSTS. 

235. The Battle of Cowpens. The three successes in De- 
cember seriously excited the apprehensions of CornwalHs 
for the safety of the post at Ninety Six and he ordered 
Tarleton to throw himself across the path of Morgan, whose 
force numbered 1,000 men. Tarleton prepared to obey 
with accustomed celerity. Morgan determined to wait the 
approach of the enemy at Cowpens. 

The battle took place on the 15th of February, 1781, and 
ended in victory for the Americans. The main body of the 
militia was under General Andrew Pickens, who had broken 
his parole and returned to the service and had been ap- 
pointed brigadier general of the upper brigade. It is said 
that the bravery of the militia at Cowpens with the unerring 
aim of their fire gained the battle. Eight hundred stands of 
arms, two field pieces and thirty-five baggage wagons fell 
into the hands of the Americans. The battle of Cowpens 
marked the beginning of the campaign of 1781. 

236. Marion's Activity. The beginning of 1781 found 
Marion still active in the Peedee. From his camp on Snow 
Island he was continually making raids on the British. Under 
him were very able officers, such as the two Horrys, the two 
Postells, James, Conyers, and McCottry, all of whom be- 
came famous for their daring exploits. The house-breaking, 
house-burning, murders, and other wanton excesses of the 
British and Tories had aroused Marion's brigade to fury and 
vengeance. The British post at Georgetown was their 
particular object of attack. They attempted to cut off 
all convoys of provisions going to and all communications 
with that post. Every night Marion sent out detachments 
to accomplish this purpose. Almost every such adventure 



176 The History of South Carolina. 

ended in a skirmish. On the 24th of January, with the aid 
of Colonel Lee, of the Continental troops, an attempt was 
made to capture Georgetown. This post was in command 
of Colonel Campbell, who* was made a prisoner during the 
attack. Through lack of concerted action the town was 
not captured. 

237. The Partisans at Work. The month of February 
found the three partisan generals, Sumter, Marion, and 
Pickens, all actively engaged. After the battle of Cowpens, 
Morgan had retreated hastily into North Carolina followed 
by Cornwallis and General Leslie, who in their turn were 
pursued by General Greene. Greene had abandoned the 
camp at Cheraws and joined Morgan in order to keep 
near the British army. After the departure of Cornwallis 
into North Carolina there were still over 4,000 British sol- 
diers with whom the partisans had to battle. About the 
middle of February, Marion attacked a British convoy 
with its escort of three or four hundred men as it approached 
Halfway Swamp, in what is now Clarendon County. The 
British retreated before Marion's attack, abandoning their 
heavy baggage. 

While Marion was still busy in the Peedee, Sumter, who 
had been recuperating in North Carolina from his wound, 
returned to the State and on the 21st of February attacked 
the British post at Granby, just across the river from the 
present city of Columbia. General Sumter, cutting off 
the source of supplies, had subdued the fort when Lord 
Rawdon appeared on the opposite bank of the Congaree. 
Sumter destroyed the British magazine and supplies, and, 
unable to contend with the superior force of the British, 
made a sudden retreat. Two days after he captured an 
escort of the British regulars, going from Charles Town to 
Camden with stores. Thirteen of the British were slain, 
and sixty-six made prisoners; the wagons, containing a large 



The History of South Carolina. 177 

quantity of provisions, clothing, arms, and ammunition, 
fell into his hands. 

These stores, however, were lost to him by the treachery 
of a guide. In an effort to regain them Sumter attacked the 
British force at Fort Watson, near Nelson's Ferry. British 
reinforcements arriving he was compelled to abandon the 
attempt. He retired into camp on the High Hills of the 
Santee where he remained for awhile to recruit. From 
this place he retreated to the Waxhaws, with the British 
close on his heels. 

238. Attempt to Crush Marion. The month of March, 
1781, was marked by a concerted effort of the British to 
annihilate Marion's brigade. Pickens being in North Caro- 
lina, and Sumter in the Waxhaws, Lord Rawdon determined 
to crush Marion whose activity had plagued the British to 
so great an extent. 

In this attempt upon the ''Swamp Fox" the British loss 
was heavy while Marion lost only one man, but having lost 
his stores and being beset on all sides by the British, he was 
on the eve of retreating into North Carolina, when the news 
came that General Greene was returning to the State, and 
he was filled with fresh hopes. 

239. Pickens Returns to South Carolina. General Pickens 
returned to South CaroKna in March and made his way to 
Ninety Six District. While he was on the way the British 
had attacked a patriot force at Dutchman's Creek and had 
defeated it and captured thirty-six of the South Carolinians. 
Pickens, on reaching South Carolina, was joined by Colonel 
Elijah Clark, of Georgia, and, learning of a party of British 
foragers under Major Dunlap, Pickens detailed Colonel 
Clark and Colonel McCall to attack them. They were 
successful, killing thirty-four of the enemy. 

240. William Harden Takes a New Field. With Marion 
in the Peedee was William Harden of Beaufort District, 



178 The History of South Carolina. 

who, after the fall of Charles Town, had reorganized the 
Upper Granville County regiment of militia, which formed 
a part of Marion's brigade, and had become quite active. 
His force was about the only one that had yet dared to take 
the field between Savannah and Charles Town, as this 
country was considered in undisputed possession of the 
enemy. In March, 1781, Harden left Marion with seventy- 
five followers, recruited from what are now the counties of 
Barnwell, Hampton, and Beaufort, and formed a camp on 
a little island on the Ashepoo River. From here he harried 
the British in every possible manner. Almost daily he 
succeeded in taking prisoners from under the very eyes of 
the enemy. In his first week's campaign he captured more 
prisoners than he had men. During this week he fought in 
four engagements and in one he captured Fort Balfour at 
Pocotaligo with a force of 100 men. These brilliant ex- 
ploits fairly rivaled the activities of Sumter and Marion. 

241. Other Events of March. About this time. Wade 
Hampton, who had given his parole after the fall of Charles 
Town, joined the patriots. A part of his family had been 
massacred by the Cherokees in 1776. He joined Sumter, 
as had many others, considering himself absolved from 
his parole. 

On the 15th of March, General Greene, who was still 
in North Carolina, engaged in battle with Cornwallis at 
Guilford Court House. The result was a defeat for the 
American commander. This, however, was accomplished 
with such great loss to the British that the advantage lay 
with the Americans in the end. Greene stated that though 
''his adversary had gained his cause he was ruined by the 
expense of it." 

242. Partisans' Achievements. In the early months of 
1781, the partisans had fought twenty-six battles — the same 
number they had fought in the entire year 1780 — not count- 



The History of South Carolina. 179 

ing the ones fought under Continental commanders. It is 
estimated that in these three months the British had lost 
500 men, while the partisans lost only 200. These troops, 
as has been said previously, had fought without pay, with 
insufficient ammunition and such scarcity of clothing that 
sometimes they could not appear in the field. They had little 
food, sometimes living for days on baked potatoes. The men 
•islept on the ground in the most inclement weather and 
suffered untold hardships. The topography of the country 
accounted for the mode of warfare. After suddenly falling 
upon the enemy, the patriots would retire into the fastnesses 
of the swamp, where neither friend nor foe could find them. 
A great portion of the time there had been no Continental 
army in the State. However, at this time General Greene 
was planning to return. 

243. Preparations for Return. In the month of April, 
General Greene returned to South Carolina. Wade Hampton 
had been sent by Sumter to give Greene a detailed account 
of what had been happening in the State during his absence. 
Greene wished to march on to Virginia, where Cornwallis 
had gone to join the British army of the North, thus leaving 
South Carolina to her fate, but by the advice of Colonel 
Lee he returned to South Carolina. He wrote ahead to 
Sumter to raise all the men and provisions possible and to 
notify Marion and Pickens to do the same in order to co- 
operate with him. The plan was to move against the British 
force at Camden. Sumter immediately fell to work carry- 
ing out these orders. 

244. Marion Active as Usual. Soon after entering the 
State, Greene took position before Camden, which was under 
Lord Rawdon's command, and ordered Marion to co-operate 
with Colonel Lee in attacking the posts below Camden. 
Previously Colonel Watson had been sent by Lord Raw- 
don to crush Marion, but Marion had forced him to flee 



180 The History of South Carolina. 

to Georgetown. In his absence Lee and Marion decided 
to attack Fort Watson in hopes of capturing stores and 
ammunition of which they were in sad need. At a short 
distance from the fort there was a small wood. The trees 
were felled, and the timber, borne on the shoulders of the 
men, was built into a high pen, under cover of night, within 
a proper distance of the fort. This enabled the assailants 
to command the fort, and with the dawn of day, the garri- 
son found themselves overawed by the American rifles. A 
shower of bullets drove them from their defenses. This 
pole pen was an idea of Colonel Hezekiah Maham, and 
was thereafter known as the ''Maham Tower." The capi- 
tulation of the fort soon followed. 

Pushing his prisoners before him, Marion, after this 
success, hurried his force forward to effect a junction with 
Greene. The advance of Marion brought on the battle of 
Hobkirk's Hill. 

245. Greene's Defeat. Camden was garrisoned by Lord 
Rawdon with about 900 choice troops and Hobkirk's Hill, 
where Greene took post, was about a mile and a half in 
advance of the British redoubts. 

The American force did not much exceed 800 men. The 
fall of Fort Watson, and the approach of the force under 
Marion to a junction with the main army, had the effect of 
forcing, Rawdon into the field on the 25th of April. 

The battle took place before Marion arrived. Sumter, 
who had been ordered to protect Greene from reinforcements 
to the British from Ninety Six and to keep his army supplied 
with provisions, was away at the time and knew nothing 
of the battle. General Pickens was also out with detach- 
ments when Lord Rawdon gave battle. 

The American advance guard received the British with 
coolness and good order. Greene had masked his artillery 
with two regiments, and as the British advanced these regi- 



The History of South Carolina. 181 

ments opened and the enemy, to their surprise, were wel- 
comed with a storm of grape. Upon this they retired in 
confusion, and Greene, thinking the battle won, took the 
offensive. 

Rawdon threw out his supporting columns, however, and 
the Americans were outflanked, their wings enfiladed and 
their rear threatened. The Americans fell into confusion. 
Vainly Greene tried to restore their confidence, but he was 
forced to retreat. 

The artillery was saved by Colonel Washington, who 
also captured more than two hundred prisoners. After a 
short pursuit, Rawdon returned to Camden, leaving Captain 
Coffin in charge of the field of battle. Later Colonel Wash- 
ington returned, and fell upon Coffin and cut his troops to 
pieces. The field of Hobkirk thus actually remained in 
the possession of the Americans. 

246. Rawdon Evacuates Camden. After the defeat at 
Hobkirk's Hill, Greene took such positions that he suc- 
ceeded in cutting off supplies from reaching Rawdon. Raw- 
don was thus forced to evacuate Camden, burning the town 
before the evacuation. The loyalists, who had gathered at 
Camden, followed him. Near Charles Town these misera- 
ble people built a settlement of huts for themselves, which 
was called Rawdontown. 

247. The Capture of Motte's. The month of May, 1781, 
was distinguished by the fall of the British posts of Camden, 
Orangeburgh, Motte's, and Granby, Camden being evacu- 
ated by Rawdon. During the first week in May, Sumter 
laid siege to the posts at Motte's and Granby. General 
Marion and Lieutenant Colonel Lee also appeared at 
Motte's, and Greene moved in the direction of this post. 

The Motte plantation lay above the fork on the south 
side of the Congaree. The works of the British were built 
around the house of Mrs. Rebecca Motte, from which the 



182 The History of South Carolina. 

British officers had expelled her. It was a mansion of con- 
siderable value. Defended by a strong garrison, under a 
resolute commander, the works promised to baffle the 
besiegers for a long time. 

Mrs. Motte was informed that it would be necessary to 
destroy her house. To this she readily consented and 
brought to the besiegers some combustible arrows, which 
had some years before been presented to her brother. Miles 
Brewton, by a sea captain who had brought them from the 
East Indies. These arrows were fired from a musket into 
the roof of the house, but failed to set it afire. At this junc- 
ture, Nathan Savage, a soldier of Marion's brigade, rolled 
a ball of pitch and brimstone, lighted it and threw it upon 
the roof of the house, setting it afire. As the British soldiers 
would appear on the roof to put out the fire Marion's rifle- 
men would rake the roof with such a hot fire that they were 
obliged to abandon the house. As a large quantity of pow- 
der was stored in the house which would blow up with great 
destruction, the British decided to surrender. As soon as 
this was done, the troops of both sides mounted to the roof 
and put the fire out. 

248. Fall of Granby and Orangeburgh. When the appear- 
ance of Lord Rawdon caused Sumter to abandon his attack 
on Granby in February, he made a dash to Orangeburgh, 
where he met with great success. The post surrendered 
with 100 men and Sumter secured great stores of provisions. 
Returning to Granby, he found that Colonel Lee, despatched 
from Motte 's by Greene, had forced that post to surrender, 
thus wresting the honors of capitulation from the ''Game 
Cock." 

249. Activities of Harden and Pickens. Harden at this 
time was still active in the Low-Country. Like Marion, 
from his encampment on a little island in the Coosawhatchie 
Swamp, he made frequent raids on the British. He had 



The History of South Carolina. 183 

now become so venturesome that he often crossed into 
Georgia, harrying the British there. United with some 
Georgia patriots, he gave the British so much trouble by 
interrupting suppHes across the river, that Colonel Brown, 
who commanded the garrison in Augusta, determined to 
crush him. Harden was attacked by the British at Wiggins' 
Hill and was forced to retreat, the British capturing some 
of his men whom they treated with savage brutality. This 
defeat only served to make Harden's men more inveterate 
against their enemies. 

General Pickens, with Colonels Samuel and Leroy Ham- 
mond, was active in Ninety Six District. The Hammonds 
were sent into Georgia to join the patriots of that State, 
where they attacked several parties of British and Tories. 
Plans were made to attack Augusta, while Pickens contrived 
to prevent the British at the post at Ninety Six from re- 
inforcing Colonel Brown. 

250. Augusta. The 1st of May General Pickens and 
Colonel Lee joined Colonel Clarke of Georgia to aid in the 
siege of Augusta. The British had two fortifications there, 
both on the Savannah. A tower of logs was raised by the 
Americans to overlook these fortifications. Several engage- 
ments took place during the siege, and on the 5th of June, 
Colonel Brown surrendered. Fifty of the British had been 
killed during the siege and over 300 taken prisoners. The 
Americans had lost sixteen killed and thirty-five wounded. 
After the victory at Augusta, Colonel Lee and General 
Pickens moved to join General Greene. 

251. Ninety Six. Sumter had tried to persuade General 
Greene to attack Rawdon immediately after his evacuation 
of Camden, but this Greene refused to do, marching instead 
to Ninety Six for the purpose of forcing the capitulation 
of the fort there. It was discovered afterwards that this 
post was about to be evacuated anyway, so Greene would 



184 The History of South Carolina. 

have done well to have followed Sumter's advice and turned 
his attention to Rawdon. 

At the time that Greene commenced the siege, May 20th, 
the post was under the command of Colonel Cruger, with a 
garrison of about 600 native Americans. The works con- 
sisted of a ditch and breast works built around a stockade. 
Strong block houses of logs were erected around the ditch, 
and within the post was a star-shaped battery defended by 
artillery. For a month the siege.. was carried on without 
success. About the middle of June, Sumter advised Greene 
that three fresh regiments had arrived in Charles Town 
and that Lord Rawdon with these was on his way to relieve 
Cruger. Greene, on learning of this, determined to storm 
the fort before Rawdon's arrival. This he did, losing 185 
in killed and wounded, while the British loss was only 85. 
General Greene, seeing that his men were being sacrificed, 
called them off and retreated. 

The next month the British evacuated this post. The 
loyaHsts of the town and vicinity made their way to the 
wretched settlement at Charles Town, called Rawdontown, 
which their brother Tories from Camden had settled. 

252. Georgetown. While Greene was busy at Ninety Six, 
Marion marched upon Georgetown. The night before his 
arrival the British evacuated the town, sailing to Qharles 
Town. Marion marched in and levelled its works. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
PARTISANS DRIVE BRITISH COASTWARD. 

253. Capture of Hayne. In July, 1781, Isaac Hayne, 
colonel of the Colleton County regiment, who had taken the 
oath of allegiance, joined forces with Harden. In so doing 
he was fighting with a halter around his neck, and he knew 
it. This knowledge, however, did not prevent him from 
venturing almost into the very fines of Charles Town with 
a party which captured General Williamson, who, like him- 
self, had taken the oath of allegiance, and was now within 
the British lines. Wilfiamson was seized while in bed and 
carried off to camp. Immediately the British attacked the 
camp, rescued the prisoner, and, capturing Hayne, carried 
him to Charles Town. 

254. The Raid of the Dog Days. Lord Rawdon had taken 
position at Orangeburgh. Having succeeded in driving him 
from Camden, by striking at the posts below, it was resolved 
to pursue a like plan of warfare, to compel the evacuation 
of Orangeburgh. Sumter and Marion, with their several 
commands, consisting chiefly of the State troops, and offi- 
cered by those most able partisans, the two Hamptons, 
Myddelton, Taylor, Horry, Maham, Lacey, and others, who 
had maintained the liberties of their country in the swamps, 
when they were too feeble to hold their ground in the field, 
were accordingly let loose in an incursion into the Low- 
Country, which drove the enemy in all quarters for safety 
into Charles Town, and, for a time, prostrated the royal 
power even to the gates of that place. This was the famous 
raid of the dog-days. It took place in midsummer, when 
the Continentals dared not march. 

255. Successes. Various little successes distinguished the 
progress of the partisans. Colonel Wade Hampton charged 



186 The History of South Carolina. 

a party of dragoons within five miles of Charles Town, and 
appearing before the walls of the city, occasioned great 
alarm to the British. The bells were rung, alarm-guns 
fired, and the whole force of the city confusedly gathered 
under arms. Hampton captured fifty prisoners, and after 
exhibiting them to the sentinels on the more advanced 
redoubts, coolly retired, without suffering injury. He also 
burned four vessels, laden with valuable stores for the British 
army. Lieutenant Colonel Lee took all the wagons and 
wagon-horses belonging to a convoy of provisions; traversed 
Dorchester and the neighborhood, from which the garrison 
was expelled, and meeting with Hampton, proceeded to 
rejoin the main body under Sumter. 

256. The Next Attack. The British at Bigin Church were 
next attacked by General Sumter. Lieutenant Colonel 
Coates, the British commander there, repulsed Sumter's 
advance guard, burnt the church and retreated toward 
Charles Town. The stores which would have fallen into 
the hands of the patriots were thus destroyed. Lee, Hampton, 
Maham, and Taylor pursued, and, after sharp and frequent 
skirmishes along the road, came upon the British at Shu- 
brick's plantation, near Quenby Bridge. After three or four 
hours. General Sumter came up and the attack was made. 
The enemy retired into the Shubrick house and the fire was 
kept up from the windows and from the picket fence which 
surrounded the house. 

Marion's brigade, at that time very much reduced, was 
thrown into two detachments, and ordered to advance on 
the right of the enemy, having no shelter but fences, and 
these within short gunshot of the house which the British 
occupied. 

The several parties moved to the attack with alacrity. 
Sumter's brigade soon gained the negro houses in their 
front, and from these directed their rifles with great effect. 



The History of South Carolina. 187 

Colonel Thomas Taylor, with a small command of forty- 
five men, pressed forward to the fences on the enemy's 
left, from whence he delivered his fire. This drew upon 
him the British bayonets, which compelled his retreat. 

Marion's men, as they beheld this, with the coolness and 
intrepidity of veterans, rushing through a galling fire, ex- 
tricated Taylor, and, from the imperfect covering of the 
fences, continued the fight until not a charge of ammunition 
remained among them. All who fell in the action were of 
Marion's command. 

The British maintained their defense from within the 
houses, and from a picketed garden, till the sun was down. 
The Americans were then drawn off, after a conflict of three 
hours. Sumter could not risk an attack as he was too near 
Charles Town for safety and also as Lord Rawdon was 
moving in his direction. He therefore retreated across the 
Santee. Thus ended the raid of the dogdays. 

257. Results of the Campaign. The British lost, in the 
several engagements, apart from the slain and wounded, 
the numbers of whom could never be accurately known, 
nearly 200 prisoners, a large quantity of valuable stores, 
wagons, and horses, and (a prize rare in the eyes of the 
starving Americans) seven hundred and twenty guineas 
taken in the paymaster's chest, with the baggage at Quenby 
Bridge. 

The expedition of Sumter, though not as successful as it 
might have been — for Coates' whole force might have been 
captured — was of the highest service, as it inspired the coun- 
try with a wholesome confidence in the local militia. The 
troops actually engaged in the attack on Colonel Coates 
were almost exclusively South Carolina militia, and they 
displayed, with the vivacious audacity of the partisan, the 
firm, collected resolution of the drilled veteran. 



188 



The History of South Carolina. 



Marion's men amply demonstrated, when they brought 
off Taylor's force from the British bayonets, under the 
heaviest fire from their pickets, that nothing was wanting 
but mihtary constancy, and the weapons of soldiers, to 
meet the best appointed troops of Europe. 

258. Prisoners in Charles Town. While the South Caro- 




*O£liS0M Sc 

^ The Battle of Quenby Bridge. 

linians were maintaining a desperate struggle for liberty, 
which now seemed within their reach, we may look back to 
see the fate of those prisoners in Charles Town who had 
surrendered upon the fall of that city. Governor Rutledge, 
as we have seen, had escaped before the capitulation and 
the militia had been allowed to return to their homes under 
parole, but there were some 2,500 Continental troops and 
1,000 sailors who had been held prisoners along with the 
citizens of Charles Town. At first, abiding by the terms of 



The History of South Carolina. 189 

the capitulation, these prisoners were not ill-treated, but 
when the tide of war began to turn in favor of the patriots 
the British showed a disposition to take their revenge upon 
these prisoners. Some of the troops were crowded into 
horrible prison-ships and some were confined in loathsome 
cellars. Sixty of the most prominent citizens of Charles 
Town had been exiled to St. Augustine and confined there 
in the castle. Many families were turned out of their homes 
that British officers might occupy them. Colonel Balfour 
was in command of the city. As many of the militia who had 
returned home on parole began taking up arms against 
the British, Colonel Balfour decided to make an example that 
would deter them from this course. 

259. Execution of Hayne. The person decided upon for 
an example of vengeance was Isaac Hayne, who had been 
captured the month before. Hayne was brought before a 
court of inquiry, which took upon itself the right to pass 
sentence. Hayne was notified that he was to be hanged. 
The men of the city pleaded in his behalf, the women peti- 
tioned in person, but Rawdon and Balfour were inexorable. 

Attended by thousands of spectators, Hayne walked to 
the gallows in a firm, manly, and unostentatious manner, 
and ascending the steps parted from his friends with the 
simple assurance that he would endeavor to show them 
''how an American should die." He died in a manner be- 
coming a martyr to his country's freedom. 

General Greene, from his camp on the High Hills of the 
Santee, notified Colonel Balfour that he would retaliate by 
similar treatment upon any British subjects who fell into 
his hands. 

260. Low-Country Skirmishes. Harden, with his com- 
mand, was on the Edisto at this time. The fear caused by 
the execution of Hayne kept him from recruiting many 
patriots at heart to his standard. Colonels Washington 



190 The History of South Carolina. 

and Lee were also in the neighborhood of Charles Town 
hanging upon the British communications successfully. 
One of Harden's parties was defeated by a detachment of 
British from Orangeburgh. Harden was pursued by another 
British party 500 strong under Major Fraser. In this di- 
lemma he sent for help to Marion, who joined him im- 
mediately. They set an ambuscade in the Edisto swamp 
and decoyed the British into it. After a warm fight their 
ammunition became exhausted and they were forced to 
retreat, but they left so many of the enemy dead on the 
field that the battle was termed a victory for the patriots. 
261. Approach of George Washington. About the middle 
of August it was learned that General George Washington, 
reinforced with 3,200 French soldiers, was marching to 
attack Cornwallis, who had advanced into Virginia after 
the battle with Greene at Guilford Court House in North 
CaroHna. Immediately upon receipt of this news, General 
Greene broke camp on the Santee and made preparations to 
prevent any aid reaching CornwaUis from the British forces 
in South Carolina. He called in all the patriot troops 
except the detachments operating under Marion, Maham, 
and Harden, and marched toward Orangeburgh, with the 
view of attacking Colonel Stewart whom Rawdon had left 
in charge of that post. On his approach, Stewart gathered 
in his reinforcements and took his stand at Eutaw Springs. 
Marion hastily returned from his expedition with Harden 
and formed a junction with Greene. To pass through 
both lines of the British communication with Charles Town, 
to surprise, defeat, and disperse the force under Major 
Fraser, numerically superior to his own, to return by the 
same route, put his prisoners in safety across the Santee, 
then advance upon Eutaw to join Greene was but the work 
of a few days and ordinary labor for this able warrior. 



The History of South Carolina. 191 

262. The Battle of Eutaw Springs. The battle of Eutaw 
Springs was fought on the 8th of September, 1781. The 
Americans numbered about 2,000. The British force was 
something more than 2,300. 

So completely had the detached parties of the Americans 
cut off those of the British, that the advance of their army 
was unsuspected. The only patrol had been captured during 
the night, and so entirely secure did Stewart esteem himself 
in his position, that an unarmed party of an hundred men 
had been sent out to gather sweet potatoes. 

Two deserters from Greene's army conveyed to the British 
commander the news of the approach of th^ Americans, 
and Captain Coffin, at the head of his cavalry, was sent out, 
as well to recall the potato ''rooting party," as to recon- 
noitre the Americans and cover the party. The American 
advance, when encountered, was immediately charged by 
Coffin, who was repulsed. The firing alarmed the potato- 
diggers, who showed themselves, and all fell into the hands 
of the Americans. 

263. The Issue at Eutaw Springs. Near the springs was a 
brick house to which the British retreated after heavy losses, 
the Americans in close pursuit. 

The whole British fine was now in full flight before the 
American bayonets. Their retreat lay directly through 
their own encampment, where their tents were all standing, 
and a thousand objects scattered around in grateful pro- 
fusion, which, to the famished troops of Greene, were too 
tempting to be withstood. 

Fatigued, and almost naked, panting with heat, and 
suffering from thirst, at the same time believing their victory 
to be secure, the pursuing Americans fell into acts of insub- 
ordination, which brought about a miserable reverse. The 
American fine got into irretrievable confusion. Its officers, 
nearly abandoned by their soldiers, became conspicuous 



192 The History of South Carolina. 

marks for the British, who now poured their fire from the 
windows of the house. In vain did American officers seek 
to rescue their men, who had dispersed without order among 
the tents, had fastened upon the intoxicating Hquors, and 
had now become utterly unmanageable. 

Seeing this, General Greene collected the wounded and 
ordered a retreat. Both sides claimed the victory. 

The British loss was 683 and the American 517. Wade 
Hampton distinguished himself in the battle. 

Leaving his dead unburied and his wounded to the mercy 
of the Americans, Stewart beat a hasty retreat the next 
day. This hurried retreat indicated that the power of the 
British was indeed waning. 



CHAPTER XX. 

VICTORY FOR PARTISANS. 

264. Encampment on the High Hills. Returning from the 
pursuit of Stewart, Greene recrossed the Santee and re- 
sumed his position at the High Hills. Feeble as his army 
had ever been, it was now destined to become still more so. 
His militia soon left him. Of the North Carolinians, but 
100 remained, and their term of service was near expiring. 
Marion, Pickens, and Hampton, with the South Carolina 
militia, were necessarily detached to cover the country; and, 
with the Continentals alone, he had to discharge all the 
painful and fatiguing services required by 600 wounded, 
half of whom were prisoners. 

Exposure in the swamps, at a sickly season of the year, 
had brought upon his army the diseases of the climate; and, 
without medicines or comforts of any kind, the whole camp 
exhibited a scene of the utmost misery and destitution. 
Numbers of the brave fellows died. 

265. Tories at Work. It was about this period that a 
foray was undertaken by William Cuningham, who, by 
his savage ferocities, acquired the name of '^Bloody Bill." 
Cuningham made his way with a force of two or three 
hundred men from the city to the interior, taking advantage 
of the temporary absence from the route of any large party 
of the Americans. His own force was broken up into small 
parties, the better to elude detection. A rendezvous was 
fixed on the Edisto, from which they spread themselves on 
every hand. 

They scattered in small bands, took the interior country 
by surprise, and marked their silent and rapid progress 
everywhere by massacre. They gave no quarter. Their 
prisoners, where they met resistance, were cut down after 



194: The History of South Carolina. 

conflict. In most cases, they found only defenseless people 
in their houses, unprepared for combat. The men were 
commonly shot or cut down; the women experienced various 
brutalities; boys of fifteen were maimed or killed; horses 
and all movable property carried off, and, when not movable, 
burned. The country was roused. Scores of small parties, 
led by outraged fathers, sons and brothers, were soon upon 
the heels of the marauders and but few escaped. 

To add to other misfortunes, the Cherokees, led by a 
Tory named Bates, arose and falling upon Gowen's fort, 
in what is now Greenville County, massacred the patriot 
families who had gathered there for safety. 

266. News from Yorktown. On the 17th of October 
CornwaUis surrendered to General Washington at Yorktown. 
This really meant the end of the war. The intelligence of 
the surrender of Yorktown reached the camp of Greene 
about the last of October. This day was observed as a 
jubilee in camp, and the grateful tidings gave a new impulse 
to the desire of the American general to cross the rivers 
which separated him from his enemy, and drive him down 
to the sea. 

267. Convening of Legislature. By the end of the year 
1781, the British had been driven from all their outposts 
and were confined in their operations to Charles Town, the 
Neck and the neighboring islands. Governor Rutledge 
returned to the State and issued writs of election for the 
convening of the General Assembly. His proclamation 
precluded all persons from suffrage and membership who had 
taken the oath of allegiance to Great Britain. The place 
chosen for the meeting was the Uttle village of Jackson- 
borough on the Edisto, about thrity-five miles from Charles 
Town. 

268. Securing Jacksonborough. The army, in the mean- 
time, took post at the plantation of Colonel Skirving, six 



The History of South Carolina. 



195 



miles below Jacksonborough, and on the road leading to 
Charles Town. But before the place could be put in perfect 
security, Greene conceived it necessary to drive the British 
from John's Island. John's and James' islands, with the 
city and the Neck, were now the only footholds left to the 
British, of all their conquests in South Carolina. 

On John's Island, which is secure, fertile and extensive, 

they maintained a force of 500 men, 
under Colonel Craig. The island 
was also guarded at all accessible 
points by galleys carrying heavy 
guns. These galleys, at a favora- 
ble time of the tide, might easily 
approach Jacksonborough, which is 
not beyond striking distance from 
John's Island; while the communi- 
cation with Charles Town, being 
open through James' Island, made 
it easy for the British, unperceived, 
to throw reinforcements into the 
former. 

Greene resolved, if possible, to 
drive the enem^^ from this important 
position. It was soon ascertained, 
not only that the island was accessible, but that the British, 
unapprehensive of danger, were comparatively unprepared 
for attack. 

John Laurens and Lee asked to be allowed to undertake 
the expedition. They succeeded in taking several prisoners 
and frightening Colonel Craig so that he hastily retreated 
to the city. This completed the security of Jacksonborough. 
269. The End of the Campaign of 1781. At the beginning 
of the year 1781, the British had almost entire control of 
the State; at the end the Americans were in control of all 
except Charles Town and the adjacent country. Sixty-two 




Laurens, 



to General 



Colonel John 
Aid-de-Camp 
George Washinston and 
Afterwards Special Minis- 
ter to France, Where He 
Secured From the King a 
Loan Which Enabled the 
Americans to Continue the 
Revolution. 



196 The History of South Carolina. 

battles had been fought during the year. Of these forty- 
five had been fought by the partisans alone without Conti- 
nental aid. The battle at Yorktown had really ended the 
war, but more blood was to be shed in South Carolina. 

270. The Jacksonborough Assembly. The General Assem- 
bly met at the appointed time, and true and tried men were 
present. These were mostly veterans — the brave men who 
had sustained the conflict with unremitting valor and un- 
failing fortitude from the beginning. Very few were present 
who had not drawn their weapons in the strife, and many 
appeared on this occasion in mihtary garb. A nobler assem- 
bly — one more distinguished for faith, integrity, wisdom, 
and valor — was never yet convoked in the cause of a nation. 

The proceedings were opened by a speech from Governor 
Rutledge, distinguished by the accustomed energy of manner 
and force of matter which characterized him. The General 
Assembly proceeded to business. Laws were passed for 
confiscating the property of those who had sided with the 
British and banishing them from the State; and amercing 
the estates of others who had saved their property by taking 
the oath of allegiance to Great Britain. The State was 
wholly destitute of funds; no immediate resources could be 
had either by loan or taxation, and the estates of the loyalists 
presented the only means for establishing a fund upon 
which 'to build a temporary credit. Among other acts, was 
one for vesting in General Greene, in consideration of his 
services, the sum of ten thousand guineas — a gift which 
furnished an example to the States of Georgia and North 
Carolina, which they promptly followed. Lastly; an im- 
portant act was passed which gave the Continental Congress 
at Philadelphia a right to a five per cent, duty on imports. 

271. Election of Governor. This General Assembly was 
composed of men who had won the liberty of the State. In 
it were Sumter, Marion, and Pickens, the two Horrys, 



The History of South Carolina. 197 

Harden, and many others of Marion's men. John Laurens 
and his father Henry Laurent, who, through the offices of 
his son, had just been released from the Tower of London, 
were members. John Laurens had been appointed by General 
Washington to arrange the capitulation of Yorktown, and 
in doing so he exchanged Cornwallis for his father. General 
Moultrie, who had been a prisoner in Charles Town since 
its surrender, and Christopher Gadsden, who had been 
imprisoned at St. Augustine, were also members. This 
session of the General Assembly took place after an inter- 
regnum of nearly two years. John Rutledge's term of office 
having expired, the office was tendered to the old patriot, 
Christopher Gadsden, who dechned it on account of his age 
and ill health. John Mathews, who had represented^the 
State in Congress during the war, was elected. 

272. Further Bloodshed. There was still blood to be shed 
in South Carolina. The opening of the year 1782 found 
Pickens putting down the Cherokees, who, at the end of 
the war, were particularly troublesome. In what is now 
Oconee County, he destroyed thirteen towns and killed 
and captured many Indians. 

In some sections truces were made between the patriots 
and the Tories, for the purpose of raising crops which were 
sorely needed. Near the present town of Salley, the Tories 
were defeated by Captain William Butler, of Edgefield, 
who was also instrumental in putting down the continued 
raids of ''Bloody Bill" Cuningham in Ninety Six District. 
Marion was, of course, busy in performing similar services 
in his favorite section, the Peedee. 

273. British Cooped in Charles Town. The British, cooped 
up in Charles Town, were beginning to lack for food and 
provisions. General Greene with the regular army and the 
militia officers with their various commands were active in 
preventing the enemy from obtaining the necessities, know- 



198 The History of South Carolina. 

ing that if they succeeded in cutting them off from food 
suppHes, the British would be forced to evacuate the city. 
In February, however, the news came that the Enghsh 
Parhament had voted to desist from further efforts to 
subdue the United States. Even after this the British in 
Charles Town were not allowed to get provisions from the 
country at any price. General Leslie, who at this time 
was in command of the city, now prepared to seize whatever 
supplies he needed. 

274. British Efforts to Obtain Provisions. A British force 
under Major Fraser first made an effort to obtain provisions 
on the Santee. Marion, thinking the raid would be made 
on Georgetown, was in that place and thus failed to prevent 
Fraser from carrying off 600 barrels of rice from the Santee. 
Next the British, from their ships, raided the banks of the 
Combahee, where they also obtained provisions. After 
this they sailed up the Broad River, captured provisions and 
carried off cattle all along the way. They also attacked 
Marion and his men at Wadboo. They failed, however, in 
this with some loss to themselves and none to Marion, ex- 
cept for a wagon of ammunitions which through ill luck 
fell into the hands of the British. News arriving that trans- 
ports were coming to carry the British back to England 
caused the foraging expeditions to return immediately to 
Charles Town. 

275. The Death of John Laurens. South Carolina on one 
of these expeditions lost one of her greatest men — Colonel 
John Laurens. Colonel Laurens had been stationed near 
Charles Town to receive secret information from the city. 
When the British sailed up the Combahee for provisions, 
General Greene despatched General Gist to protect that 
country from the enemy. 

The ardor of Laurens was not to be restrained when the 
prospect was open for active operations against the foe. 



The History of South Carolina. 199 

When made acquainted with the order to Gist, ''to strike at 
the enemy wherever he might meet them," he resolved to 
share in the enterprise; and, rising from a sick-bed, he 
hurried after the brigade which he overtook on the north 
bank of Combahee River, near the ferry. Colonel Laurens 
solicited from his commander an opportunity for immediate 
enterprise, and obtained his wish. 

The night before the attempt was to be made on the 
British, Colonel Laurens spent the evening at a home on 
Chehaw Neck, where a gay dancing party was in progress, 
and at three o'clock he commenced his march, mounted 
and at the head of his detachment, when the enemy was 
discovered. They had probably received some intelligence 
of the march of the detachment, and, landing on the north 
bank of the river, had formed an ambuscade at a place 
covered with fennel and high grass, and were completely 
concealed from sight, until they rose to deliver their fire 
upon the unsuspecting Americans. 

With the discovery of the British, Laurens instantly or- 
dered a charge, and, with characteristic courage, led the 
way, and fell at the first fire of the enemy. 

The loss of the British on this occasion is unknown; that 
of the Americans was very serious for so small a force. In 
the death of Laurens the army lamented a tried and gallant 
soldier; the countr}^ an unshrinking patriot. 

276. The Evacuation. Meanwhile, General Leslie was 
pressing his preparations for the final evacuation of Charles 
Town. He relieved himself of many unnecessary consumers 
in the garrison by allowing the loyalists to leave his camp 
and make their peace with their countrymen — a privilege 
of which hundreds availed themselves. 

Having levoUed the walls of the town and of Fort Johnson, 
the British commander opened communications with General 
Greene, appraising him of the intended evacuation, and 



200 The History of South Carolina. 

proposed terms in order that his departure might be a peace- 
able one. An arrangement accordingly followed, by which 
the Americans were to take possession as the enemy's rear- 
guard retired; the former pledging themselves to forbear 
all hostile attempts upon the movements of the British, on 
condition that they should do no injury to the city. 

On Saturday, the 14th of December, 1782, the evacua- 
tion took place. 

''It was a grand and pleasing sight," says General Moul- 
trie in his Memoirs, ''to see the enemy's fleet, upward of 
three hundred sail, lying at anchor from Fort Johnson to 
Five Fathom Hole, in a curve line, as the current runs; and 
what made it more agreeable, they were ready to depart. '^ 

277. South Carolinians Take Possession of Charles Town. 
As the British evacuated the city, the patriots entered. In 
the rear of the American advance, came the governor of the 
State, attended by General Greene, and escorted by 200 
cavalry. His council, and long troops of ofl^cers and citizens, 
followed on horseback. Smiling faces and joyful voices 
saluted the deliverers as they came. The balconies and 
windows were crowded with the aged men, the women, and 
the children, who for nearly three years had mourned the 
absence and the loss of sons, brothers, and friends. Their 
tears now were those of joy and of triumph. "God bless 
you, gentlemen; God bless you, and welcome, welcome home." 



' IV. 

SOUTH CAROLINA AS A STATE IN THE 
UNITED STATES 



CHAPTER XXI. 
SOUTH CAROLINA ENTERS UNION OF STATES. 

278. South Carolina a Sovereign State. The day after the 
restoration of Charles Town to the CaroHnians, the British 
fleet put to sea. South Carolina had won her freedom. 
''Left mainly to her own resources," says Bancroft, the 
great historian, ''it was through the depths of wretchedness 
that her sons were to bring her back to her place in the 
republic, after suffering more and daring more and achieving 
more than the men of any other State." The British having 
left in December, 1782, General George Washington dis- 
banded the army in April, 1783. The peace between Great 
Britain and the newly independent States was not concluded 
however, until the fall of the year when the treaty was 
signed at Paris whereby Great Britain acknowledged "the 
United States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecti- 
cut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Caro- 
lina, and Georgia to be free, sovereign, and independent 
States." The boundaries were Florida on the south, the 
Mississippi on the west, and Canada on the north. South 
Carolina was now one of the thirteen separate, independent 
States. 

279. Legislature Convenes. South Carolina at once turned 
to the management of internal affairs. One serious problem 
presented itself. The Continental army, which had marched 
into Charles Town with General Greene, was still quartered 
within the city's precincts and depended upon the State for 
support. The militia had been disbanded without pay. 
Congress was unable to pay off the Continental soldiers or 
to provide them with food. South Carolina felt that after 
the burdens she had borne during the war it was unfair 



204 The History of South Carolina. 

that the support of the southern army should be thrown 
upon her shoulders alone. The soldiers began to seize pro- 
visions in the market in Charles Town and wherever they 
could be found. Many unpleasantnesses arose between 
General Greene and Governor Mathews on this account. 

Conditions had become very strained between the citi- 
zens and the soldiery when the legislature convened in 
January, 1783. This body at once made provisions for the 
army and also presented General Greene with a plantation 
on the Edisto, because of his services to the State during 
the war. The legislature then chose as governor Benjamin 
Guerard, a patriot who had been confined on a British prison 
ship after the fall of Charles Town. The Assembly was 
composed almost entirely of patriot leaders. Henry Lau- 
rens, former governor John Rutledge, Ralph Izard, Jacob 
Read, and Thomas Sumter, the ''Game Cock," were sent 
to represent the State in the Continental Congress. The 
Assembly, before dissolving, repealed the law which had 
been passed by the Jacksonborough legislature, which gave 
to the Continental Congress the right to a five per cent, 
duty on imports. This law was repealed only after a hot 
debate. Sumter, behind whom stood the ''Back Country" 
members, opposed the duty, while the Low-Country members 
were in favor of granting this power to the central Congress. 

280. Internal Development. In April, 1783, came Washing- 
ton's order for the disbanding of the army, but it was not 
until July that Charles Town was entirely fre^d of the sol- 
diery. During Guerard's administration the cultivation of 
cotton was improved. This was of course on a small scale as 
the lint had to be separated from the seed by hand. The 
culture of tobacco was given a fresh impetus in South Caro- 
lina about the same time. Guerard' s administration was 
also marked b}^ the incorporation of Charles Town by the 
legislature under the name of Charleston. 



The History of South Carolina. 



205 




In 1785, William Moultrie was chosen governor to succeed 
Guerard. We remember Moultrie as the famous victor in 
the first battle of the Revolution in South Carolina — Fort 
Moultrie, and defender of Charles Town in the two sieges of 
that city. Like numerous others who had served the State 
during the war he was honored with a State office. During 

his administration Columbia 
was established and chosen as 
the capital of the vState be- 
cause of its central location. 
Along with other activities of 
the period was the establish- 
ment of colleges in Charleston, 
Winnsboro, and Ninety Six. 
In Camden, Ninety Six, and 
Charleston orphan houses were 
also provided. Only two years 
had intervened since the close 
of the Revolution, yet the peo- 
ple had set themselves to work 
with vim to repair the disasters occasioned by that long 
conflict. During this period the unfortunate Tories were 
treated with great moderation. Most of them were restored 
to full citizenship. 

281. Another Patriot Chosen Governor. At the expiration 
of Governor William Moultrie's term in 1787, Thomas 
Pinckney was elected to succeed him. In the years that 
follow we will find almost all of the prominent patriots in 
office, and often at their death we will find that their sons 
and grandsons fill the high places. During Governor Pinck- 
ney's administration the State was still trying to remedy 
the defects in her political condition caused by the war. 
The installment law was enacted for the relief of those who 
were unable to recoup their fortunes in time to pay their 



Charles Pinckney, a Char- 
leston Attorney, Who Took a 
Prominent I*art in Framing 
the Constitution of the 
United States. 



206 The History of South Carolina. 

debts. Under this law, the debtor was allowed the privi- 
lege of paying his debt by installments, the last installment 
to be paid in 1793. Another measure of the time was the 
prohibition for three years of the importation of slaves. 
This was an old and familar enactment which was often 
resorted to in Proprietary days in order to cut down the 
alarmingly large proportion of negroes to the white popu- 
lation. 

We thus see South Carolina exercising full sovereignty. 
She still sent representatives to the Continental Congress, 
which, called into being by the approach of a common enemy, 
had not dissolved at the end of the war. This Congress 
had little more than advisory powers, for final appeal rested 
in the States from whence the delegates to the Congress 
came. Each State was a small but independent unit of 
government. 

282. The Weakness of the Confederation. State pride, 
which gloried in independence, would have kept South 
Carolina forever a free and sovereign republic but for out- 
side influences which began to be felt in 1787. As we have 
previously seen, the thirteen American States had banded 
together at the approach of a common enemy — Great 
Britain. New York had sounded the call and delegates 
from the colonies had met in Philadelphia ia 1774. The 
Congress then formed had continued to sit during the war. 
In 1776, at the time it had issued the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, it had also formulated the Articles of Confedera- 
tion, which bound the States to make common cause in 
the war. In the first eight years of the life of the Congress, 
South Carolina had two presidents of this central body — 
Henry Middleton and Henry Laurens, while the two Rut- 
ledges, John and Edward, and Christopher Gadsden had 
figured prominently as members at the first meeting in 1774. 



The History of South Carolina. 



20T 




The treaty of Paris, which ended the war in 1783, recog- 
nized the separate independence of the thirteen States. 
The question whether or not they should hnk their fortunes 
continued to grow in importance as time passed. The weak- 
nesses of the Articles of the Confederation began to be 

felt. Many of the States laid claim 
to the western lands which the treaty 
had extended to the Mississippi 
River. These claims led to squab- 
bles between the claimants, which 
the Congress had no power to settle. 
This was not the only trouble. In 
carrying on the war, the Congress 
had incurred a tremendous war debt, 
which it had no means of paying. 
The various States had repealed 
the small duty of five per cent, 
on imports which had been granted 
in this emergency because they 
feared a strong central government and wished to give the 
Congress no power over them. They declared the duty 
hostile to the spirit of liberty and prophesied tyranny from 
a highly centralized authority. 

The government provided by the Articles of Confederation 
was weak because it had no chief executive, no courts to 
administer its laws, and no power to raise revenue for its 
support. 

283. The Constitutional Convention. The fear that Con- 
gress rpight become as tyrannical a ruler as England had 
been would have prevented a closer union but for the obvious 
necessity of a central government which gradually brought 
the States into line. There were incessant quarrels among 
the States who obeyed or disobeyed the Articles of the Con- 
federation as they saw fit. European nations did not know 



Charles Cotesworth 
Pinckney, Soldier and 
Statesman. 



208 The History of South Carolina. 

whether they were treating with one power or thirteen. 
There were riots among the soldiers in the North because 
they had not received their pay for fighting during the war. 
Congress, unable to lay taxes, was of course unable to pay 
the soldiers. Congress was powerless to borrow money in 
Europe, because the European nations knew well the weak 
nature of the Confederacy. In this predicament, the Con- 
gress issued paper money, which depreciated so quickly 
that a pound of sugar could not be bought for less than ten 
dollars. Along with this lack of power to manage internal 
affairs was the lack of power to protect the country from 
her enemies. Barbarous North Africans preyed upon Ameri- 
can shipping and Spain was continually making trouble in 
regard to the use of the Mississippi by Americans. 

In this desperate condition of affairs, Virginia called a 
convention to meet at Annapolis to discuss a solution of 
the difficulties. The convention met in September, 1786, 
but, since only five States sent representatives, a second 
meeting was called for the following spring in Philadelphia. 

284. The Forming of the Constitution. To this convention 
of. 1787, South Carolina elected five delegates — John Rut- 
ledge, the Revolutionary governor; Pierce Butler, Henry 
Laurens, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and Charles Pinck- 
ney. Virginia sent George Washington as one of her dele- 
gates. The meeting was held in May, in the same building 
from which the Declaration of Independence had been issued, 
and there was not a delegate present who had not distin- 
guished himself in some way in winning the liberty of the 
country. George Washington was chosen president and the 
convention set to work. After four months they had pro- 
duced a plan of government to present to the States for 
their approval. 

No attempt was made to revise the Articles of Confedera- 
tion. Several States presented sketches of plans of govern- 



The History of South Carolina. 



209 



ment, and it was afterwards found that the plan offered by 
Charles Pinckney of South Carolina entered more largely 
into the Constitution produced than any other. 

285. The Constitution. After long and bitter debates in 
the convention, and many compromises, a Constitution was 
agreed to by the members. It provided for a chief executive, 
who was to be known as the President of the United States, 

a Congress of two bodies, the Senate 
and the House, and a Supreme 
Court. From each State should 
come two Senators, and the popu- 
lation should govern the number of 
representatives to the House from 
the State. Slaves were to be counted 
as three-fifths population. After 
heated arguments, the South Caro- 
lina delegates consented to the 
agreement that the slave trade 
should be abohshed after 1808. 
The Constitution gave the Federal 
government powers of taxation and 
of regulating commerce and de- 
fined the powers of the president. In September, having 
completed its work, the convention sent the Constitution 
to the various States for approval. 

286. South Carolina Ratifies Constitution. Like most of 
the other States, South Carolina was divided in regard to 
the Constitution. Those in favor of ratifying the Consti- 
tution were called Federalists, while those opposed it were 
called Anti-federalists. As a rule the ''Back Country" men 
who had opposed the granting of the five per cent, duty to the 
Congress in 1783, now for the same reason opposed the 
Constitution. They feared a strong national government. 




Thomas Pinckney, Sol- 
dier in the Revolution, 
Governor of South Caro- 
lina. Ambassador to Eng- 
land, and Minister to Spain 
and France. 



210 The History of South Carolina. 

There was an intense State pride in South CaroUna which 
was jealous of any control. The Low-Country, led by the 
Rutledges and the Pinckneys, was strongly in favor of the 
Constitution, and after a long and bitter contest. South 
Carolina ratified it in the late spring of 1788. South Caro- 
lina had, after twelve years of practical independence, entered 
of her own will a union of her sister States. In 1790, a State 
convention was held for the purpose of forming a new Con- 
stitution for the State, which would fit the needs of the State 
as a member of the Union. George Washington had been 
elected first president of the United States, and hereafter we 
shall find the history of South Carolina indissolubly con- 
nected with that of the Union. 

287. At the First National Congress. In 1789, Governor 
Thomas Pinckney was succeeded by his cousin, Charles 
Pinckney, who had rendered such important work in the 
convention which produced the Constitution of the United 
States. Among those representatives who went to this 
first Congress of the United States were General Thomas 
Sumter and Pierce Butler. This is perhaps the most im- 
portant Congress ever held in this country, as upon it 
largely depended the strength of the union of the States. 
Voluntarily, the thirteen States had consented to bind their 
fortunes together, but each deemed the bond one that could 
be broken at will. It was the task of the first Congress to 
satisfy the demands of the States and to make union a neces- 
sity. John Rutledge was made an Associate Justice of 
the Supreme Court of the United States, and afterwards 
President Washington appointed him Chief Justice upon 
the resignation of John Jay. 

One of the most important laws enacted by the first Con- 
gress was the one which laid a tariff upon foreign imports. 
Pierce Butler of South Carohna made fiery objections to 
this bill on the ground that it was unfair to the interests of 



The History of South Carolina. 211 

the South, which being an agricultural region was dependent 
upon imports. The law was passed despite the objections 
of South Carolina. • 

288. President Washington Visits South Carolina. In 
May, 1791, President Washington arrived in Charleston 
on a visit to the State. A twelve-oared barge manned by 
thirteen masters of American vessels, aboard which were 
General Moultrie, General Pinckney, Edward Rutledge, 
and William Washington, the President's kinsman of Revo- 
lutionary fame, brought the President over from Mount 
Pleasant. On reaching the city President Washington was 
welcomed by Governor Pinckney, Intendant VanderHorst, 
and the wardens and citizens of Charleston. Triumphal 
arches decorated with flowers and laurel greeted his ap- 
proach. After a week of gay fetes in honor of the ''Father 
of his Country," Washington resumed his tour of the South- 
ern States, visiting Camden and Columbia before leaving 
South CaroHna. 

289. Thomas Pinckney Ambassador to England. The year 
following this visit, President Washington appointed Thomas 
Pinckney ambassador to England. This was an extremely 
difficult post as England was still very resentful over the loss 
of her colonies. Pinckney filled the place with dignity and, 
in recognition of his diplomatic ability, was afterwards ap- 
pointed minister first to Spain and then to France. Thus 
Pinckney held three of highest positions within the power of 
the American people to bestow. 



CHAPTER XXIL 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 

290. Review of State Industries. It will be recollected 
that when the English first settled on the banks of the 
Kiawah or Ashley River they began almost immediately 
to export lumber. The Proprietors had required the colonists 
to pay for their provisions with timber. Turpentine, tar, 
resin, and pitch were also exported to England and Barba- 
does. Trade with the Indians soon developed into an im- 
mense industry and the first fortunes in the province were 
made in this business. Bear, raccoon, deer, wildcat, and 
fox were among the most profitable skins and furs which 
were traded by the Indians for guns, ammunition, trinkets, 
and rum. 

The early colonists were barely able to raise enough grain 
for their own support. They did not attempt to cultivate 
it for export for many years, but while they were making 
money on skins and lumber they were experimenting with 
various grains among which was rice. This grain had been 
introduced into the province soon after its settlement. The 
low swamp lands were found so admirably suited to its 
culture, that by 1730 rice had become an important export 
of the province. During the period of the royal government 
indigo and corn were grown to a profitable extent and the 
culture of silk was tried, but rice continued to be the staple 
export of South Carolina until after the Revolution. 

291. The Birth of King Cotton. Immediately after the 
Revolution, the cultivation of cotton was undertaken on a 
larger scale. The fact that it had to be separated from the 
seed by hand — a long and tedious process — prevented the 
growing of large crops. In 1784, ten bales had been shipped 
from Savannah to Liverpool, and such an unheard of quan- 



The History of South Carolina. 213 

tity was it considered, that the captain of the vessel which 
carried it was accused of fraud on the charge that no such 
amount could have been produced in the United States. 
However, during the second administration of WiUiam 
Moultrie, who, in 1792, succeeded Charles Pinckney, who had 
served two terms in the gubernatorial office, the cotton 
gin was invented. The gin is said to have been invented 
on the rh ntation of General Greene's widow. This simple 
invention changed and laid the course for the future eco- 
nomic development of South Carolina. A vast increase in 
the importation of slaves took place in order that the plant- 
ers might have labor for their cotton fields. Whereas, in 
1791, about 375 bales of cotton were exported from this 
country, one hundred years later, over 4,000,000 bales were 
exported. Cotton, instead of rice, became the staple export 
and South Carolina's economic life gradually became chiefly 
dependent upon this one crop. 

292. The Opening of Highways. The early settlements in 
South Carolina had been made on navigable rivers. After the 
settlement of Charles Town, others were made always with 
a view to communication with this city by water. Lumber 
was shipped on rafts to the capital and from there on vessels 
to England. The large rice planters also shipped their 
produce to Charles Town for market by river boats. Water 
communication was an absolute necessity as the virgin 
forests of Carolina were unbroken save by narrow Indian 
paths. 

As colonists began to push further into the interior the 
question of land routes became more important. Rough 
wagon roads were opened and laws passed as early as 
1682 for their upkeep. Every citizen, of no matter what 
wealth or degree, was forced to work on the roads. In spite 
of this, the roads were very rough and frequently almost 
impassable. A long journey into the ''Back Country" was 



214 



The History of South Carolina. 



a great undertaking. There were few, too, even of these 
rough, ill-kept highways. 

The war of the Revolution, which took South Carolinians 
all over their native State in numerous skirmishes with the 
British, opened their eyes to the necessity for better roads.- 
The war over successfully, they set themselves to work to im- 
prove their highways. The old roads were worked, new ones 




A South Carolina Rice Field. 

built, bridges constructed, ferries improved, and, in general, 
transportation and trading made more convenient. 

293. Old English Custom Abandoned. During Govefnor 
Moultrie's administration the old English right of primo- 
geniture was abolished in South Carohna. This law gave 
the estate of a man dying without will to the eldest son, 
the younger children consequently being left penniless. 
The object of this custom was to keep the large family 
estates from being divided. The legislature now abandoned 
this principle on account of its unfairness and since that 
time all children have shared equally in the estate of their 
parents if the parents left no will. 

294. The Santee Canal. Governor Moultrie was suc- 
ceeded in 1794 by Arnoldus VanderHorst, former inten- 
dant of Charleston. When the people were concerning 



The History of South Carolina. 215 

themselvGS after the Revolution with the betterment of 
their highways, a plan was conceived to open the Santee 
River for navigation from the North Carolina line to Charles- 
ton. The charter for this undertaking was granted during 
the first administration of Governor Moultrie, and it is 
interesting to note that among the incorporators were the 
two Rutledges — John and Edward — and Sumter, the 
''Game Cock," and Marion, the ''Swamp Fox." There 
were perhaps no men in the State who had had better 
opportunity to know the nv^ed of good roads and open 
water ways. The building of the Santee Canal was in- 
tended to be the means of bringing the Up-Country and 
the Low-Country into very much closer touch with each 
other. The project was begun in 1786 and was in process 
of construction until 1800. 

295. Further Development. In 1796, Charles Pinckney 
became governor for the third time. He was succeeded 
in 1798 by Edward Rutledge, one of the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence. Governor Rutledge died in 
office, and John Drayton filled the office for the unexpired 
term and was elected in 1800 for the full term. In 1798, 
the legislature divided the State into twenty-four districts. 

During Governor Drayton's administration, the legisla- 
ture estabfished the South Carolina College at Columbia. 
The year 1800 marked the completion of the Santee Canal. 
The census of 1800 showed the population of the State to 
be 340,591, of which 196,255 were whites and 144,336 negroes. 

296. Commencement of Manufacturing in South Carolina. 
As early as 1768— nearly ten years before the Revolution — 
cotton goods were being manufactured in South Carolina. 
In 1769, it was stated in the Gazette in Charleston that 
"many of the inhabitants of the north and eastern parts 
of this province have this winter clothed themselves in 
their own manufactures." One notable instance of the 



The History of South Carolina. 217 

interest displayed in home industries was the wearing of 
clothes of home manufacture by Christopher Gadsden, in 
1769, while he was in mourning for his wife. In 1770, a 
committee to establish and promote manufactures in the 
province was organized, with Henry Laurens as chairman 
and treasurer of the organization. The manufacturing of 
this period was not done by corporation, but by private 
individuals on their plantations. 

With the establishment of the cotton gin, the patent rights 
of which were bought by the South CaroHna legislature, 
the cotton manufacturing industry was given its first real 
impetus. In 1808, there was such a fad for homespun goods 
that a resolution was passed that year in the General Assem- 
bly that all members should appear during the sessions clad 
in homespun suits. 

About 1816, New England settlers in upper South Caro- 
lina "laid the foundation for the tens of thousands of spindles 
which were in due course of time to hum in the Piedmont 
belt." In 1816 or 1817, the Hill Factory in Spartanburg 
County contained 700 spindles, all of the machinery having 
been hauled in wagons from Charleston. This period marks 
the beginning of what was to become one of the great in- 
dustries of South Carolina. 

297. Lotteries. It is an interesting fact that during this 
period, as was the custom of the time, lotteries were oper- 
ated in South Carolina with the consent and approval of 
the State government. In 1795, an act was passed by the 
General Assembly authorizing a lottery, the profits of which 
were to be used for the promotion of useful manufactures 
in the State. Money was raised by means of these lotteries 
for the building of the Episcopal Church at Georgetown, for 
Trinity and the Presbyterian Church in Columbia and 
many others. 



218 The History of South Carolina. 

298. Vaccination Introduced. James B. Richardson suc- 
ceeded John Drayton to the governorship of the State for the 
term 1802-1804. During Governor Richardson's administra- 
tion, vaccination as a preventative of smallpox was intro- 
duced into the State by Dr. David Ramsay. This distin- 
guished physician we remember as having been confined 
with sixty other prominent Charlestonians in the castle at 
St. Augustine, during the Revolutionary War. The intro- 
duction of vaccination was opposed at first by many, but 
before long its power of prevention of the dread disease, 
which had been prevalent at certain seasons since the first 
settlement of the province, was fully recognized. 

299. Financial Prosperity. South Carolina was in such 
prosperous condition financially that it was found that at 
the close of the administration of Paul Hamilton, who had 
succeeded to the governorship in 1804, at the expiration of 
Governor Richardson's term, there were debts due to the 
State to the amount of $734,735. This period was also 
marked by the extension of the suffrage to all white per- 
sons, without regard to property qualifications. This meas- 
ure which voted free suffrage was enacted during the fourth 
term of Charles Pinckney, 1806-1808. 

300. Free School System. For the term 1808-1810, John 
Drayton for the second time was elected governor. The 
census of 1810 showed a large increase in the population, 
which was found to total 413,015. Of this census it is worthy 
of note that it showed a large increase in the negro popu- 
lation. 

The year 1811, during the administration of Henry Mid- 
dleton, marked the establishment of a free school system. 
As early as 1710 there had been free schools in South Caro- 
lina, but no established system. The present provision was 
intended only for those children of the State whose parents 
were too poor to send them to private pay schools. 



The History of South Carolina. 219 

301. Summary. Thus we see that the years following the 
Revolution were ones of great progress for the State of 
South Carolina. The cultivation of cotton, which was of 
inestimable importance in the future development of the 
State, expanded; roads for travel and commerce were 
opened; the Santee Canal was constructed; there was a 
tremendous increase in population; free schools were liber- 
ally provided, and, in general, the State was in a most pros- 
perous condition. 

But now we must turn to an event of national interest. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE WAR OF 1812. 

302. Trouble with France. While South CaroHna was de- 
veloping so splendidly along economic lines, the nation at 
large was embarrassed in its foreign affairs. The French, 
following the example of the United States, overthrew theft- 
king, and set up a republic. The other monarchs of Europe, 
in alarm at the precedents set, made war upon France in 
the effort to restore the monarchy. Having helped the 
Americans to win their hberty, the French now in turn 
expected aid in their need. So, in 1793, the French repubhc 
sent its first minister to the United States — Edmond Charles 
Genet. Genet came expressly to induce the United States 
to aid France in the war against the European alhes. He 
landed in Charleston, where he was received with great 
enthusiasm and immediately began fitting out privateers. 
He was greatly disappointed, however, when he reached 
Philadelphia, the capital, and found that President Wash- 
ington was firm in his stand against embroiling the United 
States in any European war. The States were much too 
feeble as yet to wage war, but France naturally felt aggrieved 
at the ill success of Genet's mission. 

303. Friction with England. Since the close of the Revo- 
lutionary War, England had shown an irritating lack of 
respect for the United States. Regretting the loss of her 
wealthy, colonies, she lost no opportunity to vent her spite 
upon the young republic which grew from them. She seized 
American vessels in the French West Indies and elsewhere, 
and had begun the practice of stopping American ships on 
the high seas and demanding that any English sailors aboard 
should be given up. Often American-born sailors were 
forced to go on British ships, and England refused to heed 



The History of South Carolina. i^21 

the protests from the United States. War seemed inevitable. 
Congress began making preparations for a stronger army 
and navy. At this England, her hands full with her war 
with France, made some concessions, and President Wash- 
ington, who was equally anxious to avoid war, sent John 
Jay to England as special envoy to arrange a commercial 
treaty. This Jay accomplished, but with so many conces- 
sions on the part of the United States, that the Americans 
were furious. In Charleston, after the British flag had been 
dragged through the streets by the irate citizens, it was 
burned in front of the house of the British consul. How- 
ever humiliating the treaty was to the pride of the Americans 
it averted war for a time. 

304. War Imminent with France. On hearing of the treaty 
with her old enemy, England, the French Republic was 
indignant. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, of South Caro- 
lina, who at this time was sent as minister to France, 
was rejected. Offended at the indignity to her minister, 
the United States sent three envoys to France, of which 
number the rejected Pinckney was one. Improper demands 
were made upon these envoys, one being that to be received 
by the French Directory the envoys should give them a 
bribe of ^50,000. Upon this, Pinckney made his famous 
reply — '^No! No! Not a sixpence." France continuing her 
raids on American vessels, the United States made pre- 
parations for war. George Washington was appointed 
commander-in-chief of the army and Charles Cotesworth 
Pinckney was made one of three major generals. War was 
prevented, however, by concessions from France who at 
this time was still at war with England and did not wish 
war with the States. 

The American republic, too feeble to command respect 
abroad, was receiving little consideration from France and 
Eiigl^nd. 




John Caldwell Callioun, the South Carolina Statesman. Who Served 
Forty Years in Congress and in Cabinet Positions and Who Was Twice 
Elected Vice-f residgnt of the United States. 



The History of South Carolina. 223 

305. War with England Declared. Unmindful of the Jay 
Treaty of 1796, England continued the practice of taking 
seamen from American vessels. On this account and from 
many other annoyances to American shipping, relations 
became so strained between the two countries that William 
Pinkney, who had been minister to the Court of St. James for 
five years, returned to the United States. Congress met in 
1811, and the great question before it was the settlement 
of the difficulty with England. 

To this Congress South Carolina sent delegates fired with 
indignation at the treatment which the country had suffered 
at the hands of Great Britain. Among the members sent 
to the House were John C. Calhoun, Langdon Cheves, 
David Rogerson Williams, and William Lowndes. These 
men played a very important part in the work of the Con- 
gress. Calhoun was ranking member on the committee 
of foreign affairs and afterward chairman; Cheves was made 
chairman of the committee on naval affairs, and Williams 
chairman of the committee on military affairs. These men 
saw no alternative but war. On the 18th of May, 1812, 
President Madison signed the bill declaring war upon Eng- 
land. John C. Calhoun was the author of this measure. 

306. South Carolinians Honored. South Carolina had the 
honor of furnishing the major general for the southern de- 
partment, in the person of Thomas Pinckney — former 
governor of South Carohna. Wade Hampton, who had 
taken an active part in the partisan warfare of the State 
during the Revolution, received the appointment of briga- 
dier general. 

307. Preparations. The second war with England took 
place during the administration of Joseph Alston, who was 
governor of South Carolina for the term 1812-1814. As 
the bulk of the war was carried on at the western posts of 
the United States and on the high seas, it affected this State 



224 



The History of South Carolina. 



but little, except as an interruption to her commerce. South 
Carolina, however, made preparations for invasion. Forti- 
fications were raised in and around Charleston and such 
places along the coast as were available for the landing of 

the enemy were put 
in a condition for de- 
fense and manned 
with troops. 

308. Capture of the 
Dominica. Charles- 
ton sent forth a num- 
ber of private armed 
vessels which did great 
injury to the com- 
merce of Great 
Britain. One or two 
events, occurring near 
the Carolina coast, 
were particularly bril- 
liant and surpassed by 
no exploits during the 
war. Among these 
was the capture of the 
Dominica, in August, 
1813, by the Decatur, a private armed vessel of Charleston, 
commanded by Captain Diron. Captain Diron succeeded in 
boarding the Dominica, a British frigate, and, firearms be- 
coming useless, the fight was carried on with cutlasses. The 
captain and chief officers of the enemy vessel were killed, 
the decks covered with dead and wounded, and the British 
colors finally torn down. 

The same cruiser, the Decatur, shortly afterward cap- 
tured and brought into Charleston the British ship London 




Langdon Cheves, Member of Congress, 
Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives, and President of the Bank of the 
United States. 



The History of South Carolina. 225 

Trader, mounting several guns and having a valuable cargo 
of sugar, coffee, cotton, rum, and molasses. 

In January, 1814, another sea fight occurred near Charles- 
ton. This was between the American schooner, Alligator, 
commanded by Sailing Master Bassett, and a British frigate 
and brig. The crew of the British ships attempted a night 
boarding attack on the Alligator as she lay off Cole's Island. 
The American seamen were outnumbered ten to one, but 
they drove off the British sailors, inflicting heavy losses, 
escaping themselves with two men killed and two wounded. 

309. Descents Upon the Coast. The British made several 
descents upon the Carolina coast. Once they landed on 
Dewees's Island, just north of Charleston, burnt some small 
craft and plundered several of the seashore plantations. 
They also visited Capers's and other islands near Charleston 
and carried off the live stock and provisions. They landed 
in force on Hilton Head, near Beaufort, and repeated their 
plunderings. These places were all unprotected and with 
a population too widely scattered to offer any resistance. 
At one time Charleston was blockaded by the British, who 
took many prizes with rich cargoes. 

310. End of the War. South Carolina of course supplied 
her full quota of troops for the national army. Many of 
them were descendants of Revolutionary heroes and some 
were themselves heroes of the Revolution. They were 
present wherever the enemy threatened — in Canada, Florida, 
Louisiana, and elsewhere. In 1814, the war came to a close 
in victory for the Americans. The United States had again 
triumphed over Great Britain. 

311. Progress Unaflfected by War. The War of 1812 re- 
tarded but little the material progress of South Carolina. 
During the administrations of David Rogerson Williams, 
Andrew Pickens, and John Geddes, who, in the order named, 
succeeded to the office of governor, the legislature voted 



226 



The History of South Carolina. 



large appropriations for internal improvements. Occasional 
hurricanes on the Carolina coast caused the loss of lives 
and property and epidemics of yellow fever made severe 
inroads in the population; but, withall, the period following 
^••' . "~ the second war with 

England was one of 
peace and general 
prosperity. 

During this period 
we find South Caro- 
linians taking promi- 
nent part in affairs of 
the nation. From 
1817 to 1825, John C. 
Calhoun, who had 
been active in 
bringing to an issue 
the trouble with Eng- 
land, was Secretary 
of War. At this 
time he reorganized 
the United States 
Military Academy 
at West Point and started it upon the road to excellence. In 
1825, Calhoun was chosen vice-president of the United States, 
holding this office for nearly eight years. In 1814, Langdon 
Cheves was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
the highest position in the body of law-makers in Washing- 
ton. In 1819, he was elected president of the bank of the 
United States. WiUiam Lowndes had made a name for 
himself in Congress with his appeals for the establishment 
of a strong navy and army. In 1816, he fathered a tariff 
bill, but was severely censured by South Carolina for doing 
so, as this State had always opposed a high tariff. He and 




William Lowndes, Son of Rawlins 
Lowndes, Educated in England, and 
Prominent Member of Congress. 



The History of South Carolina. 227 

Calhoun were close friends and did much of their work in 
Washington together. It was an ambition of theirs to see 
the various States bound together by highways. In 1821, 
they were both named by South Carolina as suitable candi- 
dates for the presidency of the United States. 

312. Attempted Breach of the Peace. During the adminis- 
tration of Governor Thomas Bennett (1820-1822), the suc- 
cessor of John Geddes, a slave insurrection was instigated 
by a negro from St. Domingo, named Denmark Vesey. By 
promising them the plunder of Charleston, Vesey succeeded 
in corrupting a number of negroes, but fortunately, through 
the fidehty of some old slaves, the plot was discovered and 
frustrated. The principal negroes were tried and Vesey 
and about thirty-four others were hanged. This was the only 
attempt at insurrection since the slave uprising in the early 
days of the royal government, which was stirred up by the 
Spaniards from Florida. 

313. Visit of Lafayette. John Lyde Wilson, an eminent 
lawyer of Georgetown, held the gubernatorial office from 
1822 to 1824, when he was succeeded by Richard Irving 
Manning, a planter of Sumter District and the son of a 
brave captain in the Revolution. During the latter's ad- 
ministration, the Marquis de Lafayette visited the State 
in his circuit of the United States. His visit occasioned 
special gratification to South Carolina, as it was upon her 
shores (at North Island in Georgetown County) that the 
Marquis had landed nearly fifty years before, when his 
sympathy for the Americans had brought him over to aid 
in the Revolution. The gallant Frenchman was received 
with grateful enthusiasm and his stay made an occasion of 
grand fetes. 

314. Approach of National Troubles. Governor Manning 
was succeeded in 1826, by John Taylor, a planter of Richland, 
who in 1828 was succeeded by Stephen D. Miller of Sumter 



228 The History of South Carolina. 

District. Interest in home affairs during these administra- 
tions was clouded by the violent opposition in South Caro- 
Una to the raising of the tariff by Congress. The legislature 
of the State twice passed resolutions against these tariff 
laws and entered protests. South CaroHnians in Congress 
were ably carrying on the fight for the rights of the States 
and the excitement on this subject hourly increased within 
the State. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

STATES' RIGHTS MOVEMENT. 

315. European Nations Predict Failure of Union. To un- 
derstand the development of the States' Rights movement, 
we must retrace the making of the union compact between 
the thirteen States in 1789. At this time there was not a 
repubUc in the world. England, France, Spain — all nations 
of the earth — were governed by monarchs who held more 
or less despotic sway over their subjects. When the Ameri- 
can States set up after the Revolution a free and indepen- 
dent government, through which the Americc\n people under- 
took to govern themselves, the European nations predicted 
a speedy dismemberment of the union. It was not believed 
possible that thirteen independent States could weld them- 
selves into a permanent, harmonious whole. How nearly 
these predictions came to being fulfilled we soon shall see. 

316. Difficulties of Union. It was inevitable that there 
should be clashes of interests among the various States. 
This was naturally the case in a territory which comprised 
so large an area as that of the United Stjxtes and in which 
the only communication was by water travel, in those days 
very slow, and by stage coach. A trip from New York to 
Charleston by carriage, over rough roads and through al- 
most unbroken forests, was a perilous journey of weeks. 
News of the acts of Congress could not reach the States 
until long after they had been passed and become laws. 
With such poor means of communication it is not surprising 
that the States were not bound very closely in the union 
and that their chief interests lay in the management of 
affairs within their own boundaries. 

317. The First Issue. The first issue between the States 
was over the tariff question. The first Congress in 1789 



230 The History of South Carolina. 

laid a tariff or duty on foreign imports for the raising of 
revenue. This tariff was favorable to the New England 
States, as it protected their manufactories, while it was 
objectionable to South Carolina as this State was entirely 
agricultural and dependent upon Europe for her manufac- 
tured goods, which, on account of the tariff, became higher 
priced. The other Southern States approved of the tariff 
as they hoped to build manufactories in the South, but 
South Carolina was always opposed to a protective tariff 
and as it was raised higher and higher in later years, this 
State voiced protests in almost every session of Congress. 

318. Protests Against Federal Powers. South Carolina 
was not the only State which found dissatisfaction in the 
central government. All the States saw the wisdom of the 
union and wished to preserve it, but they were jealous of the 
authority which the central government assumed. Gradu- 
ally it was taking to itself powers which heretofore only the 
individual States had exercised. In 1798, Kentucky is- 
sued what was known as the ^ ^Kentucky Resolutions" in 
which it protested against an objectionable measure passed 
by Congress, known as the "Alien and Sedition Laws," and 
threatened to nullify it on the ground that Congress had 
no power other than that delegated by the Constitution, 
and that when it exceeded these powers, the parties to the 
union compact could declare the legislation void. On the 
same occasion, Virginia issued resolutions declaring that a 
State had the right to interpose when Congress assumed 
unlawful powers. Thus we see a rapidly growing jealousy 
of the federal government. 

319. Admission of New States. A more serious problem 
arose over permitting the owning of slaves in new States 
seeking admission to the Union. This showed for the first 
time a grave line of cleavage between the Northern and the 
Southern States. It will be recollected that the treaty which 



The History of South Carolina. 



231 




recognized the independence of the States ceded the terri- 
tory as far as the Mississippi River. As this country be- 
came sufficiently populated, application was made to the 
Federal government for admission to the Union as separate 
States, and with each one the question arose as to whether 

the institution of slavery should 
be recognized within its borders. 
Southerners who with their slaves 
had migrated to these States to the 
westward, naturally were insistent 
that slavery should be allowed. 
Having long been opposed to 
slavery, since with their cold cli- 
mate it was unprofitable, the North- 
ern States objected to its extension 
in any State of the new territory, 
and the admission of a State was 
always attended with bitter debates 
in Congress. Thus we see the be- 
ginning of a serious division of interest in the Union. 

320. Part Slavery Played. It must be understood that 
slavery was introduced at first into every English settlement 
in America. The English merchants had poured in great 
shiploads of negroes, and in their trade with the colonies 
made great fortunes. So profitable was the commerce made 
possible by slave labor that England, after abolishing 
slavery as a blot upon her fair name, had refused to allow 
a prohibition of the slave trade in her colonies. 

321. Missouri Compromise. Even as early as the time of 
the Revolution, it was well established that slaves could not 
live in the cold climate of the Northern colonies, though they 
flourished in the Southern colonies. The North, unsuited 
to extensive agriculture, developed manufacturing, while the 
South grew wealthy from her rice and indigo fields, and, 



Robert Y. Hayne, Soldier 
in the War of 1812, United 
States Senator, and Gov- 
ernor of South Carolina. 



232 The History of South Carolina. 

finally, from the cultivation of cotton. The economic life 
of the Southern States was apparently absolutely dependent 
upon slave labor, while the North was economically indepen- 
dent of it. Slave-holding and non-slave-holding marked 
such a fundamental difference between the two sections 
that the admission of new States was dependent upon an 
amicable settlement of this question. For each non-slave- 
holding State which was admitted an admission of a slave- 
holding State was required. Thus when Missouri came into 
the Union as a slave-holding State, Maine came in free. 
At the same time, it was agreed that slavery should be ex- 
cluded north of a line 36 degrees, 30 minutes north latitude. 
It was felt that the balance of power must thus be kept in nice 
adjustment, that the slave holders must have equal control 
in the government as the non-slave holders. 

322. Widening of the Breach. Meanwhile, the tariff was 
raised higher and higher and the Southern States grew des- 
perate. They felt that they were being deliberately dis- 
criminated against. The tariff of 1828. was called the ''Tariff 
of Abominations." The legislature of South Carolina made 
a formal protest against the injustice of the United States 
tariff laws. It appeared to the people of the South Jhat 
the North, because of its greater population and conse- 
quently greater representation in Congress, was trying to 
usurp all the powers of government. The breach was rapidly 
widening between the two sections. 

323. Hayne-Webster Debate. At this crisis in the re- 
lations of the sections, one of the greatest debates in Ameri- 
can history took place on the floor of the Senate, between 
Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina and Daniel Webster of 
Massachusetts. Hayne was one of Carolina's greatest sons. 
He had fought in the War of 1812, had been Speaker of the 
House in the State legislature, and at this time was in the 
United States Senate. Webster was a worthy opponent. 



The History of South Carolina. 233 

The true issues of the debate involved the rights of the 
States and those of the Union. 

Hayne claimed that the bond of union was a compact 
between the States as equals; that in the Constitution the 
States had conceded certain powers to the general govern- 
ment and had reserved all other powers to themselves; that 
any act of usurpation of these powers could be vetoed by 
the States. 

Webster argued that the Constitution was not a compact 
between the States, but a government of the American 
people as a whole and that an individual State did not have 
the right to make void or nullify any act of the national 
government. The debate served to show the attitude of 
the two sections towards the central government. 

324. Division of Opinion in South Carolina. It must not 
be imagined that South Carolina was at one on the subject 
of nullification of acts of the Federal government. To the 
contrary, the State was in a turmoil. There was a large 
party opposed to the extreme doctrine of nullification. All 
agreed to the injustice of the high tariff laws, but the Union 
party, as those who opposed the nuUifiers were called, held 
that South Carolina, having entered the Union of her own 
free will, could secede from it at any time, but that no State as 
an integral member of the Union could veto an act of the 
national government. In this local contest, both parties 
became so violent that the State was threatened with civil 
war. The great leader of the nulhfiers was John C. Calhoun, 
who was ably supported by Robert Y. Hayne, George 
McDuffie, and James Hamilton, Jr., all of whom had carried 
on a warm opposition to the tariff laws in Congress. On the 
Union side were such men as Hugh Swinton Legare, Grimke, 
Petigru, and Elliott. In 1830, the Union party elected the 
intendant of Charleston, while the governor of the State, 
James Hamilton, Jr. (1830-32), was a great NuUifier. These 



234 



The History of South Carolina. 



parties were often on the verge of bloodshed in Charleston 
and often they forgot the argument in the bitterness of the 
controversy. 

325. Ordinance of Nullification. The crisis came in 183^ 
when Congress, now in control of the North, again increased 




A Train on the Railway Between Charleston and Haml^urg, the First Rail- 
road in the United States. — From a Descriptive Drawing. 

the tariff. John C. Calhoun had succeeded Hayne in the 
United States Senate, and Hayne had returned home and 
been elected governor of South Carolina (1832-1834). The 
Nullification party in South Carolina was estimated at 
20,000, and the Union party at 15,000. The Nullifiers 



The History of South Carolina. 235 

triumphed at the baUot box and sent their men to the 
legislature. A convention with the governor of the State 
as chairman, met at Columbia and declared the tariffs of 
1828 and 1832 null and void, and declared that if the United 
States government attempted to use force, South Carolina 
would set up a government of its own. This was the famous 
ordinance of nullification. 

The victorious NuUifiers celebrated their victory with a 
torch light procession in Charleston, made a demonstration 
against the City Gazette, and in various ways expressed 
their contempt for the defeated Union men. 

326. Steps of the National Government. In reply to the 
ordinance of nullification, Andrew Jackson, president of the 
United States at this time, issued a proclamation denouncing 
the ordinance and begged the people of his natVe State 
not to violate the law and defy the general government. 
Governor Hayne replied with an assertion of the sove- 
reignty of the State, and South Carohna prepared for in- 
vasion. President Jackson sent armed vessels to the port 
of Charleston to enforce the revenue laws of Congress. 
Meanwhile, troops were organized in South Carolina, large 
supplies of cannon and necessary munitions of war bought, 
and a call made for volunteers. None of the other Southern 
States, however, followed her lead, much to the disappoint- 
ment of South Carolina. 

327. Compromise. War was averted, however, by a compro- 
mise introduced in Congress, by Henry Clay of Kentucky, to 
which John C. Calhoun agreed for South Carohna. By this 
compromise, a law was enacted, by which the tariff was gradu- 
ally reduced for a period of ten years, then to remain uniform. 
It also stipulated that the tariff was to be for revenue only. 
Peace was restored and war averted. South Carolina re- 
pealed the ordinance of nullification, but the line of cleavage 
was so sharply drawn that the Southern States felt that 



236 The History of South Carolina. 

their interest lay in one direction while that of the Northern 
States lay in another. 

In South Carolina the Union party subsided. There had 
been so much bitterness in the contest that many of the 
defeated leaders left the State, among whom was Hugh 
Swinton Legare, who abandoned his literary dictatorship in 
Charleston for the position as charge-d'affaires in Belgium. 

328. Anti-Slavery Cry in the North. The question of the 
tariff settled, a far more serious problem arose in the growing 
opposition in the North to slavery in the Southern States. 
By the Missouri Compromise, in 1820, it had been agreed 
that slavery should be excluded north of 36 degrees and 30 
minutes north latitude. It was then presumed that the 
North, having succeeded in prohibiting slavery within the 
Northern States, would let the matter rest. This, however, 
did not prove to be the case. The twenty years following 
the Missouri Compromise marked the forming of numerous 
anti-slavery societies in the North. Traveling preachers 
made their circuits of the country denouncing the institu- 
tion, and by 1834, sharp debates were to be heard in Congress 
on the subject. By 1835, there were 350 societies for the 
abolition of slavery in existence, which made a business of 
sending to the Southern States violent anti-slavery pamph- 
lets intended to arouse in the slaves a desire for freedom. 
This practice was so warmly opposed in South CaroHna, 
that in 1834, a mob of Charlestonians broke into the post 
office in Charleston and seized and destroyed a quantity of 
the abolition tracts. Much bitterness of feeling was arising 
out of the mooted question of slavery. 

329. First Railway in United States. South Carolina was 
the first State in the Union to operate successfully a steam 
railway. In 1833, a railroad from Hamburg (near Augusta) 
to Charleston, 133 miles away, was completed. It had taken 
years to build this railroad, at that time a most brilliant 



The History of South Carolina. 



237 



feat, and it was the longest railway in the world. We of 
this day cannot realize the revolutionary nature of this 
accomplishment. The Santee Canal, which was completed 
in 1800, had been a great achievement and had proved a 
large factor in unifying the interests of the Up-Country 
and the Low-Country, but water travel was slow and there- 




Floating Tales of Cotton Down a South Carolina River to Market. 
From a Descriptive Drau-ing. 

fore unsatisfactory. Records of the time tell of the use of 
sleds and of heavy carts for carrying produce to the markets, 
over the poor roads, sometimes at very great distances. 
Bales of cotton were thrown into the streams to float with 
the current to markets. Hogheads of tobacco hauled by 
oxen were constantly arriving in Charleston from the in- 
terior of the State. Barrels of resin were bound together, 



238 The History of South Carolina. 

put on rafts, and floated to Georgetown and other points. 
This was changed by the construction of railways. 

330. Seminole War. Governor Hayne had been succeeded 
in 1834 by George McDuffie, who had been prominent in 
Congress as an advocate of the theory of nuUification. 
During McDuffie's administration as governor, war broke 
out in Florida with the Seminole Indians there, who had 
resisted the efforts of the United States government to move 
them beyond the Mississippi River. In 1836, South Caro- 
lina, at the call of the national government, furnished a 
regiment of infantry for three months service. During this 
brief period. South Carolina lost valuable lives. The Indians, 
when attacked, would retreat into almost impenetrable 
swamps, and, as in the incursions made during the Revo- 
lution, the State lost more men from swamp fever that those 
killed by the Indians. The war dragged on for several years, 
and was finally brought to an end by Colonel Zachary Taylor. 
Osceola, the Seminole chief, was taken prisoner and sent to 
Fort Moultrie, where he was kept until his death in 1838. 

331. School Report. Pierce M. Butler followed McDuffie 
as governor of the State. During his administration, the 
report of the commissioner of free schools gave the number 
of schools as 695 and the number of pupils as 6,718. Butler 
was succeeded in 1838 by Patrick Noble, and in 1839 the 
report showed an increase from 695 schools, with an atten- 
dance of 6,718 to 832 schools, with an attendance of 8,867. 
During Noble's administration, there were twelve banks in 
the State, and, as it was a time of general financial depres- 
sion all over the United States, the condition of these banks 
excited a great deal of attention. Prices of land and slaves 
decHned and many business firms failed. Governor Noble's 
administration was also marked by the State Agricultural 
Convention, held in Columbia in 1839, which organized 



The History of South Carolina. 239 

agricultural societies in each district of the State. These 
societies were of great benefit in bringing the people together. 

About the middle of 1840 Governor Noble died and was 
succeeded by Lieutenant Governor B. K. Henagan. 

332. Attitude of State Towards Slavery. The chief in- 
terest of the State during the period following the nullifica- 
tion crisis lay in the slavery question. The fact that all 
bitterness in South Carolina resulting from the theories for 
and against nullification had entirely subsided was evidenced 
by the election of John P. Richardson, in 1840, to the guber- 
natorial chair. Richardson had been one of the leaders of 
the Union party against the Nullifiers in 1832, and his 
election showed that all party strife had sunk in the greater 
issue of slavery. 

South Carolina had always deplored the existence of 
slavery in the State, and even in Proprietary days had made 
efforts to check its growth. As an English province, the right 
to prohibit the importation of slaves had been denied her. 
Henry and John Laurens had been strong advocates of 
liberty for the negro and the South as a whole recognized 
the evil of holding human beings in bondage. The in- 
vention of the cotton gin, with the consequent opening 
of great areas to the cultivation of cotton, had made negro 
labor almost a necessity to the economic well being of the 
South, but despite this, the further importation of slaves 
had been stopped. At this period there were upwards of 
200,000 slaves in South Carolina. 

As the fight against slavery grew into national importance, 
the Southern States began to resent what they considered 
meddlesome interference by the Northern States in their 
domestic affairs. They had not resented the open fight over 
the admission of slave and free States of the western 
territory into the Union, but inborn in them was the opinion 
that each State had sovereign control over its internal 



240 The History of South Carolina. 

affairs, except in certain powers which had been ex- 
pressly given to the national government by the Consti- 
tution. This was their understanding when they entered 
the Union. 

Just as the Southern States had protested against the 
tariff laws in the nullification crisis, so now they insisted 
on their rights as States to settle the slavery question with- 
out any outside interference. As John C. Calhoun had been 
the chief exponent of the States' rights theory in nullifica- 
tion days, he now led the fight for the rights of South Caro- 
lina and the other Southern States on the slavery question. 
This formed the subject of discussion at all cross roads, 
at every little village, and at the court houses; while in the cities 
and in the larger towns one could hear public speeches in 
the town halls where the people eagerly gathered. In 1842, 
Governor Richardson was followed by James H. H&mmond, 
who, as chief executive of the State, took the part of the 
South in a warm controversy on slavery. Hammond had 
been a great Nullifier and believed in State's rights. During 
Hammond's administration the Citadel in Charleston and 
the Arsenal in Columbia were converted into military schools, 
as had been recommended by Governor Richardson. 

333. Writers of the Period. In this period, we find South 
Carolina rich in Hterary men. In the field of oratory, the 
State yields precedence to no other. On account of political 
conditions arising from the theory of nullification, States' 
rights, and, finally, secession. South Carolina was very 
prolific in orators. John C. Calhoun became the acknow- 
ledged champion and leader of the States' rights moyement in 
Congress, first as a member of the House and afterward of 
the Senate. Robert Y. Hayne is famous for the speech in 
Congress in which he measured swords with Webster and 
came off from the contest with honor. Among other noted 



The History of South Carolina. 241 

orators of the State were James Henry Hammond, George 
McDuffic and William C. Preston. 

In poetry,* we find Henry Timrod and Paul Hamilton 
Hayne pre-eminent in the State. Timrod was born at 
Charleston, December 8, 1829. He first studied law, but 
abandoned it to become a teacher. He became a tutor in 
the families of various planters, in the meanwhile cultivating 
his poetic gifts. His first volume of poems appeared in 1860. 
The most noted of his poems are ''The Cotton Boll," ' 'Caro- 
lina," and ''Spring." Today Timrod ranks as one of the 
greatest of American poets. Paul Hamilton Hayne was 
born in Charleston in January, 1830. Like Timrod, he 
studied law, but abandoned it for a literary career. He 
became the editor of various Charleston magazines. Among 
his most famous poems are "A Dream of the South Wind," 
"The Woodland Phases," "By the Grave of Henry Timrod." 
Hayne died July 6, 1886. 

334. Approach of Foreign Troubles. Governor Hammond 
was succeeded in 1844 by Wilham Aiken, and during his 
administration slavery agitations were interrupted by the 
approach of trouble with Mexico. In 1827, Mexico had 
emancipated its slaves. Its northern province, Texas, 
peopled largely by citizens of the United States, many of 
whom were slave holders, refused to free its slaves, and, 
declaring its independence of Mexico in 1835, set up a separate 
government. War followed between Texas and Mexico, in 
which hundreds of men from the Southern States, many 
from South Carolina, were brutally killed. Texas finally 

*0f the noTelists William Gilmore Simms takes first place. Simms was 
born in Charleston in 1806 and was the moving spirit of the group of 
literary men in that city. In his works Simms portrays the Southern 
character in provincial and R-Jvolutionary days. He has drawn impres- 
sive pictures of the scenery of the Low-Country and truthful characteriza- 
tions of the Indians. He has written a series of romances of the Revolu- 
tion and ma-n>y volumes dealing with the legends of South Carolina. 
Simms died In Charleston in 1870. — The Editor. 



242 The History of South Carolina. 

won the war, and in 1845 applied for admission into the United 
States, with the understanding that it was to come into 
the Union as a slave State. Although Texas had been 
recognized as an independent power by England and France 
as early as 1839, Mexico refused to recognize her indepen- 
dence, and, when Texas was admitted into the Union, de- 
clared war against the United States. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

THE PALMETTO REGIMENT IN THE MEXICAN WAR. 

335. Palmetto Regiment Organized. Mexico declared war 
against the United States on April 23, 1846. For several 
years relations between the two countries had been strained. 
A great deal of bad feeling arose over the failure of Mexico 
to pay claims for damages to property of American citizens 
injured in the waging of the many revolutions which tore 
the Mexican nation. Consequently, the annexation of Texas 
by the United States was not the only cause for bad feeling 
between Mexico and the United States. 

Since it was a slave State, the annexation of Texas was 
welcomed by the South, though Calhoun opposed the war, 
on general principles. When President Polk issued a call 
for volunteers for the war with Mexico, he had little difficulty 
in getting the desired number in the Southern States. South 
Carolina was asked for one regiment. This was raised and 
ready to be mustered into service in 36 days after Congress 
passed the bill authorizing the president to call for volun- 
teers. The captains of the companies with the names of 
the sections of the State in which they were mustered are: 
Francis Sumter, Sumter; R. G. M. Dunovant, Chester; 
Keith S. Moffatt, Kershaw; Preston S. Brooks, Edgefield; 
Foster Marshall, Abbeville; William Blanding, Charleston; 
Joseph Kennedy, Fairfield; William D. DeSaussure, Rich- 
land; Leroy Secrest, Lancaster; N. I. Walker, Barnwell. 

Pierce Mason Butler of Edgefield, governor of South 
Carolina from 1836 to 1838, was chosen colonel; J. P. Dickin- 
son of Kershaw, lieutenant colonel; and A. H. Gladden of 
Richland, major. The regiment was known as the Pal- 
metto Regiment, 



244 The History of South Carolina. 

336. On to Mexico. The ten companies of volunteers as- 
sembled in Charleston and were mustered into the service 
of the United States. From Charleston the troops pro- 
ceeded by railroad to Hamburg, just across the Savannah 
River from Augusta. There leave was taken of the regiment 
by Governor David Johnson, who had succeeded Aiken in 
1846. Partly on foot and partly by train, the Palmetto 
Regiment made its way to Montgomery, Alabama. From 
Montgomery the South Carolina volunteers went on steam- 
boats to Mobile, Alabama, where they were quartered for 
some time awaiting the arrival of transports. 

Already there had been serious fighting between United 
States troops, under General Zachary Taylor, and Mexican 
forces on the Texas border and in Mexico. The Palmetto 
Regiment, however, was assigned to the command of General 
Winfield Scott, whose orders were to invade Mexico through 
Vera Cruz, its important port on the Gulf of Mexico. Scott's 
army of about 12,000 men, among whom were the South 
CaroHna troops, was concentrated on Lobos Island, in the 
Gulf of Mexico. As soon as all the transports arrived at 
Lobos Island, Scott sailed for Vera Cruz, which a fleet of 
United States vessels was blockading. He captured the city 
after a siege and bombardment, lasting from March 7 to 
March 29, 1847. The Palmetto Regiment in a brigade, 
under General Quitman, was sent upon the fall of Vera 
Cruz to take a smaller port called Alvarado. After a sixty- 
mile march down the Mexican coast, on which it suffered 
severely for lack of water, Quitman's brigade reached Al- 
varado only to find that the United States fleet had already 
captured it. Scott, meanwhile, took up his march into the 
interior of Mexico, hastening away from Vera Cruz as soon 
as he could, fearing an outbreak of yellow fever among 
his troops. 



The History of South Carolina. 



245 



337. From Vera Cruz to Puebla. Quitman returned to Vera 
Cruz from Alvarado and overtook Scott's army after he had 
fought and won the Battle of Cerro Gordo (Thick Ridge). 
Continuing his progress, Scott took Perote, a Mexican 
fortress, and occupied Puebla, the city second in importance 
in Mexico, without further resistance. For sixteen weeks 

the Palmetto Regi- 
ment and the remain- 
der of Scott's army 
lay in Puebla. There 
was a great deal of 
illness among the 
troops, contracted 
while passing across 
the unhealthy coastal 
plain of Mexico. Pue- 
bla is on the high 
table land which forms 
the interior of Mexico, 
and its climate is 
quite healthful. In 
Puebla, Scott waited 
impatiently for his 
sick to recover and for 
promised reinforce- 
ments to arrive. 

338. March to the Capital. Finally, additional troops 
reached Puebla, and Scott's army resumed its march on 
August 7, 1847, toward the City of Mexico. As the distance 
between Vera Cruz and Puebla was too great for Scott to 
hope with the forces at his disposal to hold the line of com- 
munication open between his army and the former city, he 
merely left a small garrison at Puebla to guard the city and 
some sick soldiers and started into the valley of Mexico, 




Pierce M. Butler, Governor of South 
Carolina and Colonel of the Palmetto 
Regiment in the Mexican War. 



246 The History of South Carolina. 

almost as completely cut off from the outside world as the 
brave Cortez was when he undertook his conquest of Mexico. 
In the reorganization of the army before the march from 
Puebla began, the Palmetto Regiment had been assigned to 
a brigade commanded by General Shields. As yet the South 
CaroHnians had seen httle fighting, but they were destined 
to see much of it before they returned to Puebla again. 

On the first part of the march toward the City of Mexico > 
the Palmetto Regiment was placed in the rearguard of the 
army. In this position of honor, it had a sharp skirmish 
with a large body of Mexican lancers, mounted troops who 
hovered behind Scott's columns. The army met a large 
Mexican force, under General Santa Anna, president of 
Mexico, at Contreras, a hamlet near the City of Mexico. 
Scott won the battle which followed. The Palmetto Regiment 
was held in reserve during this fight. The impatience of 
the South Carolinians at their continued enforced inaction 
was voiced in a single famous sentence by Colonel Butler. 
After the battle of Contreras, he wrote General Worth, who 
commanded a division, recommending Lieutenant Colonel 
Dickinson for a position on his staff. '^Colonel Dickinson," 
said Butler, "desires a place near the flashing of the guns." 

Having fought and won at Contreras, his second pitched 
battle, Scott again ordered his troops forward toward the 
capital of Mexico. The situation of the city made approach 
toward it exceedingly difficult. It lay surrounded by moun- 
tains in the midst of a marshy plain dotted by lakes. For- 
tunately for General Scott, he had under him a corps of 
able engineers, among whom were Captain Robert E. Lee 
and Lieutenant P. G. T. Beauregard. The value of the 
service performed by these engineers in leading the troops 
over the best routes to the City of Mexico cannot be over- 
estimated. 



The History of South Carolina. 



247 



339. Battle of Churubusco. On August 20th, the day 
after the battle of Contreras, Scott ordered an assault on 
Churubusco, a strongly entrenched and fortified position on 
the southern outskirts of the City of Mexico. His course 

in attacking this position 
' has been condemned on 

the grounds that he 
could have captured the 
City of Mexico without 
doing so, and that he 
paid too dearly for the 
victory in the loss of 
men. Scott had heard, 
however, that the works 
at Churubusco protected 
a cannon foundry, which 
really did not exist, and 
this false report may 
have led him to order 
the assault. 

The Palmetto Regi- 
ment, as a part of 
Shields' brigade, pro- 
ceeded to the attack 
on Churubusco, across 
a very marshy tract of 
land. The Palmetto 
Regiment was in the 
lead, as it was to be 
the base around which the other regiments in the brigade 
were to form. The heavy mud and ditches in the marsh 
impeded the Palmetto advance. The South Carolinians 
struggled in mud through a thick field of corn. Then 
they came to a field of wheat, across which the Mexican 




Monument at Camtk'U lu l^icut. Col. 
Dickinson of the Palmetto Regiment. 



248 The History of South Carolina. 

works lay 300 yards away. It was not until the Palmettos 
reached the wheat field that the order to form the line of 
battle was given. While they executed this order in full 
view and easy musket range of the Mexican trenches, they 
suffered severely from a withering fire which tested their 
courage to the utmost. They stood their ground bravely, 
though, until the line of battle was formed, then they charged 
the Mexican works with Colonel Butler leading them. 
Colonel Butler paid with his life for his valor. He was 
killed when half way across the field, after having been 
wounded, when his horse was shot under him, almost at 
the moment the charge began. The gallant Lieutenant 
Colonel Dickinson also fell mortally wounded during the 
charge. The Mexicans abandoned their trenches as the 
troops swept down upon them, and Churubusco was in 
Scott's possession after further fighting in another part of 
the field. Dickinson lived but a short while after the battle 
was over. Major Gladden took command of the remnant 
of the Palmetto Regiment left after the bloody charge on 
Churubusco. 

The day following the battle of Churubusco, Scott and 
Santa Anna agreed to an armistice, though the City of 
Mexico lay within Scott's grasp. The armistice was ter- 
minated by Scott on September 6th. 

340. Assault on Chapul tepee. On September 12th, Scott 
had his batteries to open fire on Chapultepec (Grasshopper 
Hill), a rocky mound about 200 feet high on the crest of 
which was a castle used as a training school for officers for 
the Mexican army, corresponding to our West Point. On 
the morning of September 13th, Scott ordered an assault 
on Chapultepec. In this attack the Palmetto Regiment 
advanced up the steep side of the hill, at the head of Quit- 
man's division, to which Shields' brigade was attached. 
The castle was successfully stormed and captured. Im- 



The History of South Carolina. 



249 



mediately after the castle fell, while the victorious American 
troops were still intermingled in its courtyard, an order 




Monument of Bronze and Iron Erected by the General Assembly on the 
State House Grounds in Honor of the Palmetto Regiment. 

came to double quick down the road on the side of Chapul- 
tepec to the causeway which led across a marsh to the 
Belen gate of the City of Mexico. 



250 The History of South Carolina. 

341. Palmetto Flag Flies Oyer Belen Gate. The Palmetto 
Regiment and Persifor Smith's Rifle Regiment were ordered 
out together. These two regiments proceeded down the 
causeway. Fortunately for them, an aqueduct had been 
built in the center of the causeway. The Palmetto and the 
Rifles took shelter, as they advanced together, behind the 
great stone pillars of this acqueduct, and, running from 
pillar to pillar, made their way toward the Belen gate, where 
Santa Anna himself was in command of the Mexican de- 
fenses. The South Carolinians and Smith's Rifles suffered 
heavily from a hot cross fire poured into them by the Mexi- 
cans. Their advance, however, was steady. Finally, the 
Mexicans fled from the defenses immediately at the gate to 
stronger works behind it. The gate was entered by the 
Palmetto Regiment and Smith's Rifles about 1:20 o'clock. 
Lieutenant Frederick W. Selleck, of the Abbeville company, 
climbed on top of the defenses at the gate and called for a 
flag. The banner of the Palmetto Regiment was passed 
up to him. It was thus the first American flag to fly over 
any part of the City of Mexico. Lieutenant Selleck was 
wounded as he held it aloft. The Mexican defenses within 
the gate were too strong to be attacked. Consequently, 
the Palmetto Regiment lay behind the defenses at the Belen 
gate all night. 

342. Fall of the City of Mexico. The next day, September 
14, 1847, the City of Mexico was surrendered to General 
Scott. With his army, he occupied it until a treaty of peace 
was signed on February 2, 1848, between the United States 
and Mexico. 

On October 19, 1847, about 275 troops, under Major 
Maxcy Gregg, sailed from Charleston on the ship Orphan to 
reinforce the Palmetto Regiment. They saw no service, 
except garrison duty at Vera Cruz. 



The History of South Carolina. 251 

343. Palmetto Regiment Honored. The Palmetto Regi- 
ment did its part gallantly in the War with Mexico. Only 
about 300 out of the 1,000 or more volunteers who formed 
the regiment remained after the war was over. The General 
Assembly voted massive medals, gold for the officers and 
silver for the men, to the members of the Palmetto Regi- 
ment. It also had erected in its honor a monument in the 
form of a bronze and iron Palmetto tree, which now stands 
on the State House grounds. 

In 1848, Governor David Johnson was suceeded by 
Whitemarsh B. Seabrook, of Edisto Island. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 
WAR BETWEEN THE SECTIONS INEVITABLE. 

344. Balance of States Disturbed. By the treaty of Guada- 
lupe Hidalgo, which was negotiated by General James 
Gadsden, of South Carolina, Mexico ceded to the United 
States the territory which has since become the States of 
California, Nevada, Utah, part of Colorado, and the greater 
part of the territories of New Mexico and Arizona. The 
extension or prohibition of slavery into these areas was now 
the issue of the day. It became the subject of famous de- 
bates in Congress. John C. Calhoun declared that Congress 
had no right to pass any law by which citizens of any State 
of the Union should be deprived from emigrating with their 
property (which included slaves) into any of the territories 
of the United States. A great many wished to prohibit 
outright the extension of slavery, while others proposed 
that the question should be determined by the people of 
the territories. 

With the close of the Mexican War, there were fifteen 
slave States and fifteen free States in the Union — an even 
balance, which neither section was willing to have broken 
in favor of the other. A few days after the treaty of Guada- 
lupe Hidalgo, the world was electrified by the news of the 
discovery of gold in California. Citizens from every part 
of the Union sold their possessions and began their journey 
to the gold fields. Ships from every country made their 
way to the Pacific coast in a mad search for gold. In less 
than two years the population of California was sufficient 
for the requirements of admission to the Union, and in 
1849 CaHfornia knocked at the door for admission as a 
''free State." As her admission as such would destroy the 
balance, there were threats throughout the South of seces- 



The History of South Carolina. 253 

sion from the Union if California was permitted to come in 
as a free State. Such was the precarious condition of affairs 
at the end of the year 1849. 

345. Fugitive Slaves. A continual source of irritation be- 
tween the two sections of the Union lay in the escape of 
slaves from the ''slave" into the ''free" States, in which 
flight they were aided by Northerners, who made a sys- 
tematic business of aiding runaway negroes to escape from 
their masters. It is estimated that about a thousand a 
year made good their escape, and that there were probably 
twenty thousand of these fugitives living in the "free" 
States. The system was called the "underground railroad," 
and it consisted of numerous stations, usually a cellar or a 
barn where the runaways were concealed during the day 
and from whence they were sent on to the next station by 
night, and so on until they reached free territory. This was 
regarded by the South as deliberate theft of its property, 
and was resented accordingly. A very severe fugitive slave 
act was demanded in Congress, by which those who aided 
the runaways could be punished. The North, in its turn, 
resented this. 

346. Calhoun's Last Speech. The question of the admit- 
tance of California, as well as causing intense interest in 
the various States, brought forth great debates in Congress. 
Two of the most famous speeches in history were delivered 
in the halls of Congress in March of 1850 — one by Daniel 
Webster of Massachusetts, who had opposed Robert Y. 
Hayne of South Carolina, in the great debate concerning 
States' rights in 1832, and John C. Calhoun, South Caro- 
Hna's greatest statesman. To the great offense of the North, 
in his March speech, Webster declared that the North had 
failed in its duty to the South in aiding the escape of fugi- 
tive slaves and that the South had just ground for complaint. 
He also detioimced the Abolition societies, stating that they 



254 The History of South Carolina. 

were causing strife and widening the breach between the 
sections. 

At this time, Calhoun, after serving South CaroHna in 
national affairs for forty years, was a dying man. He tot- 
tered into the Senate supported by friends, and, unable 
to deliver his speech, it had to be read for him. It was a 
most impressive scene. Calhoun was wrapped in a great 
coat; his long white hair hanging down, framed his pallid, 
emaciated face. His eyes flashed and his whole countenance 
lighted when certain stirring passages of his speech were 
read. Below are quoted portions of the famous speech. 
Throughout, we see a plea for the preservation of the Union, 
but not at the expense of the rights of the States: 

''How can the Union be saved? There is but one way . . ; 
and that is by a full and final settlement, on the principle 
of justice, of all questions at issue. The South asks for 
justice, simple justice, and less she ought not to take .... 

''But can this be done? Yes, easily; not by the weaker 
party, .... but by the stronger. The North has only . . . 
to do justice by conceding to the South an equal right in 
the acquired territory, and to do her duty by causing the 
stipulations relative to fugitive slaves to be faithfully ful- 
filled, to cease to agitate the slave question 

"But will the North agree to do this? It is for her to 
answer .... If you who represent the stronger party 
cannot agree to settle them on the broad principle of justice 
and duty, say so; and let the States we both represent agree 
to separate and part in peace." , 

By this speech we see to what lengths South Carolina 
was prepared to go in defense of her rights — even to the 
dissolution of the Union. 

In 1850, Governor Seabrook was succeeded by John H. 
Means as governor of South Carolina. 



The History of South Carolina. 255 

347. Compromise of 1850. In August, 1850, the dispute 
was closed by a compromise permitting the entrance of 
Cahfornia as a free State and enacting a very severe fugi- 
tive slave measure. The first was offensive to the South 
and the second offensive to the North, so that the so-called 
compromise became the cause of added bitterness between 
the two sections. Prominent leaders of South Carolina 
and Mississippi threatened secession. In the spring of 1851, 
the Southern Rights Association convened in Charleston 
and declared that South Carolina would not submit to such 
injustice of the national government. This radical party, 
however, was defeated at the polls that year, and leaders 
with secessionist views were not sent to Congress. The 
people as a whole wished to secede only as a last resort. 

348. Position of State in Regard to Slavery. Slavery agi- 
tations of the Abolitionists had caused a complete change of 
feeling of Southerners in regard to the holding of slaves. 
Long before the Revolution, South Carolina had seen the 
evil and there had always been schemes for the final emanci- 
pation of the negro. It is true that the negro, brought from 
Africa in a savage state, had become a more civiHzed being 
under slavery and that for the most part he was treated 
with kindness and mercy, but there was always the op- 
portunity for cruelty from a stern, unjust master or his 
overseers. However the South might deplore the existence 
of slavery, the question of freeing the negro was a big one 
to settle. In any case it was considered a matter for the 
South to settle. 

With the forming of the Abolition societies in the North, 
the assistance given to the fugitive slaves, the bitter de- 
nunciation of the South by Northern preachers and lec- 
turers, the attitude of the South toward slavery changed. 
It no longer acknowledged the evil of the institution, but 
dwelt on the actual results of bringing the negro savage 



256 The History of South Carolina. 

into a civilized land and making of him a useful human 
being. About this time a book written by Harriet Beecher 
Stowe, a Northern woman, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," came out 
in which only the cruel, bestial side of slavery was depicted, 
a sid^e undoubtedly in existence, but one which was over- 
shadowed by the kindly treatment of a great majority of 
gentleman slave-owners. This book engendered much ill- 
will in the South. 

349. Increased Bitterness. John L. Manning became gov- 
ernor of South Carohna in 1852, and in 1854 was succeeded 
by James H. Adams. Interest in internal affairs was en- 
tirely eclipsed by the question of whether Kansas should 
be admitted as a "slave" or a "free" State. In 1854, the 
Missouri Compromise, which prohibited slavery north of 
36 degrees, 30 minutes north latitude, was made inoperative 
and vast numbers from the "slave" and from the "free" 
States migrated to the territory of Kansas in order to in- 
fluence the admission of the State as slave or free. Many 
persons from South Carolina emigrated with their slaves to 
Kansas. Conditions approaching civil war ensued be- 
tween the two parties. Two governments were set up and 
in the conflict more than two hundred lives were lost. 

In Congress, the subject of the admission of Kansas was 
debated with great bitterness. Senator Sumner of Massa- 
chusetts, a learned but narrow-minded, bigoted abolitionist, 
made a speech of scathing abuse of Senator Butler of South 
Carolina, who was in favor of Kansas being admitted as a 
slave State. In Senator Butler's absence the uncalled for 
insult was resented by his nephew, Preston S. Brooks, who 
approaching Senator Sumner as he sat in the Senate chamber, 
gave him a severe beating with a cane. The North was 
indignant at this attack, and the South was of opinion that 
the Northetn Senator had got only what he deserved. 



The History of South Carolina. 



257 



350. South in Fever of Excitement. Robert F. W. Allston 
became governor of South Carolina in 1856, and was suc- 
ceeded in 1858, by William H. Gist. These four years were 
ones of great moment. They were marked by increasingly 
violent acts of the Abolitionists, and of consequent indigna- 
tion throughout the South. In Kansas, a rabid fanatic and 
Abolitionist named John Brown organized a band, and in 
the night made a raid on the farmhouses of several slave 
holders. Seven or eight men, utterly defenseless, were 




One of the Buildings of the South Carolina Collegiate Institute at 
Barhamville, the First College for Women in South Carolina. 

killed and their bodies as horribly mutilated as if the raiders 
had been savage Indians. In 1859, the same John Brown, 
who in the meanwhile had spent his time in aiding slaves 
to escape from their masters, moved to Virginia, settling 
near Harper's Ferry. His plan was to lead a wholesale 
uprising of the slaves. He collected arms and ammunition, 
and made a night attack on the arsenal at Harper's Ferry. 
In this attempt he failed, and was tried and hajiged. The 
South was enraged at the attempt, believing it was the 



258 The History of South Carolina. 

action of a Northern conspiracy. It was found afterward 
that the arms and ammunition had been furnished by North- 
ern sympathizers. There was great excitement in the South 
over the John Brown raid, which had the effect of unifying 
the "slave" States against the "free" States. 

As the year 1860 approached, the interest in the presi- 
dential election grew. The "slave" States were naturally 
resolved upon electing a president with slave-holding views, 
and equally determined were the "free" States upon putting 
in a man opposed to slavery. 

351. Election of 1860. One by one the bonds which held 
the North and South together had snapped. In the first 
place, the climate played its part and made the North a 
manufacturing district and the South agricultural, thus 
making slave labor unprofitable in the North, while most 
profitable in the South. Being solely an agricultural dis- 
trict had caused the South to oppose a high tariff, which 
was profitable, and therefore desirable, to the manufacturers. 
The differences were thus economic until the sentiment 
against slavery as a moral evil began to take root in the 
North, growing so in strength that by 1860 a new party had 
formed, the chief plank in the platform of which was that 
of anti-slavery. This party took the name of Republican, 
and chose as its candidate for president of the United States 
Abraham Lincoln, a man of lowly, birth, who had through 
his own efforts worked his way first to the legislature of 
Illinois and then to a seat in Congress. It was known that 
he was opposed to the extension of slavery. This was the 
essential qualification of a candidate of the Republican party. 

The national convention of the Democratic party met at 
Charleston, South Carolina, to agree on a candidate for the 
presidency. There was more excitement exhibited here than 
at any other national convention. At this convention the 
last cord which bound the sections together snapped when 



The History of South Carolina. 259 

the Northern and the Southern Democrats could not agree 
on a platform. The party split, the Southern Democrats 
nominating John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky, and the 
Northern Democrats nominating Stephen A. Douglas of 
Illinois. 

352. Results of Election of 1860. South CaroHna threat- 
ened withdrawal from the Union in the event of the election 
of Abraham Lincoln. The Northern Sl^ates did not reahze 
that South Carolina would make good these threats. On 
November 6, although he had not received a majority of 
the popular vote, Lincoln was elected. The issue which 
had for twenty-five years divided the two sections had at 
last reached a crisis. 

353. Secession. In view of the probabihty of secession, 
the South Carolina legislature, convened for the purpose of 
choosing presidential electors, passed an act providing for 
an armed force. As soon as the South Carolina legislature, 
which had stayed in session to await the result of the election, 
heard the news of the election of Lincoln as president of the 
United States, it called for an election of delegates to a 
popular convention to be held in December. The whole 
State was wild with enthusiasm. The most prominent 
leaders of the State were sent to the convention, which 
met first in Columbia in the First Baptist Church, and then 
on account of smallpox moved to Charleston. Richardson, 
Manning, Means, Adams, Gist, all of whom had served as 
governor, were among the delegates, besides many men who 
had been prominent in Congress. On December 20, 1860, an 
ordinance of secession passed by the convention in Charles- 
ton repealed the act of 1788, by which South Carolina had 
ratified the Constitution of the United States. By a unani- 
mous vote, the union between South Carolina and the United 
States was declared dissolved. Once again, as in 1776, when 




College of Charleston, the First College in South Carolina. 



The History of South Carolina. 261 

she had declared her independence of Great Britain, South 
Carolina was a free, independent, and sovereign nation. 

354. Reception of the News. Crowds waited outside the 
convention hall in Charleston to hear the news, and when 
the word was passed of the secession from the Union, the 
city was wild with delight. The bells of St. Michael's rang 
in triumph, cannons roared, palmetto leaves waved in the 
air, the populace cheered, drums beat, and bales of cotton, 
suspended by ropes, swung from house to house. 

South Carolina next made a call to the other slave States 
to secede likewise and join her in forming a confederacy of 
Southern States. The secession convention passed ordinances 
for raising and organizing troops in case of invasion. So 
unanimous was secession that one lady remarked, ''Mr. 
Petigru alone in South Carohna has not seceded. '^ 

355. Arguments for State Sovereignty. South Carolina 
now by her actions declared that she had resumed inde- 
pendence and full sovereignty; having a right to do so, 
because: (1) at the beginning of the Revolutionary War 
the States had entered a confederation in which each State 
retained its sovereignty; (2) the treaty signed at Paris in 
1783 had recognized the separate independence of the States; 
(3) South Carohna had entered into a compact by ratifying 
the Constitution in 1788, by which a central government 
was granted certain expressly stated powers; and (4) the 
central government had exceeded those powers and South 
Carolina now saw fit to withdraw from the compact made 
with her sister States. 

President Lincoln repHed saying that no State could 
withdraw from the Union lawfully. 

356. Firing on the "Star of the West." Fort Moultrie was 
garrisoned by a small number of men, under Major Anderson, 
a United States officer, who, feeling that his position there 
was too weak, moved to the stronger fort in the harbor, 



262 The History of South Carolina. 

Fort Sumter. This was taking possession of the fort for the 
United States government. South CaroUna had no intention 
of permitting this. SuppHes were low in the fort and the 
United States government decided to send provisions for 
its succor. The ''Star of the West," an ocean steamer 
bearing the supplies for Major Anderson, tried to reach 
Fort Sumter, but was fired on from Morris's Island by a 
battery manned by some Citadel cadets. The ''Star of the 
West" retired without making any further effort to reach, 
the fort. South Carolina, having withdrawn from the Union, 
conscious of the justice of her claims, had fearlessly defied 
the United States single-handed, before any other Southern 
State had seceded and joined her. 

357. Forming of Confederacy. Following the firing on the 
"Star of the West," Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and 
Florida seceded from the Union. By February 1, Louisiana 
and Texas seceded. A convention of these seven States 
now met in Montgomery, Alabama, and formed the Confede- 
rate States. Jefferson Davis of Mississippi was chosen 
president, Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia was made vice- 
president, and Robert Toombs of Georgia secretary of State. 
C. G. Memminger of Charleston was chosen as a member 
of Davis' cabinet. The Confederate government next seized 
the navy yards, post offices, custom houses, and arsenals in 
the seven States and every fort, except four. Among the 
forts still in possession of the United States was Fort Sumter 
in Charleston harbor. 



V. 

* 

SOUTH CAROLINA AS A STATE IN 
THE CONFEDERACY 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

OUTBREAK OF HOSTILITIES. 

358. Efforts for Peace Unavailing. Despite the firing on 
the ''Star of the West" in Charleston harbor, there were 
further efforts made to avert war in the early part of the 
year 1861. Matters had reached such a crisis, however, that 
a peaceful settlement of the differences between the two 
sections was scarcely possible and all efforts to avert war 
proved of no avail. There were those in the North who 
respected the theory of the ultimate right of a State to 
withdraw from the Union, but this party was in a decided 
minority, and every one realized that the country was about 
to be precipitated into the horrors of war. 

359. South Carolina Prepares for War. The New Year 
was ushered in with a rush of preparations for the coming 
struggle. Francis Wilkinson Pickens, grandson of the great 
partisan of the Revolution, had been inaugurated as governor 
in December, 1860, and General D. F. Jamison had been 
made secretary of war. Even before the provisional govern- 
ment had been formed at Montgomery, the Palmetto flag 
had been raised over vessels equipped for war purposes by 
the people of the State. United States vessels in South Caro- 
lina waters were seized, and floating batteries of palmetto 
logs were mounted with heavy guns. Governor Pickens 
issued commissions in the naval service of the State. 

Under resolutions of the secession convention, provision 
had been made for the organization of a regiment of volun- 
teers for six months' State service, and for a regiment of 
infantry regulars, and one of artillery regulars. To com- 
mand these, the governor appointed Maxcy Gregg, Richard 
H. Anderson, and Roswell S. Ripley, respectively. The 
General Assembly had passed acts providing for the raising 



266 The History of South Carolina. 

of ten regiments of volunteers, for one year's service. The 
first regiment organized under this call selected Johnson 
Hagood, of Barnwell, as its colonel. The organization of 
other regiments followed rapidly. It was thought nc;cessary 
that Charleston should be strongly fortified. Application was 
made by the State authorities to the Confederate government 
at Montgomery, upon which General Beauregard was as- 
signed to the direction of the defenses of South Carolina. 
The last of March, news came that a large fleet of Federal 
vessels had sailed for Charleston. The newly formed regi- 
ments were hurried to the city. Some were stationed on 
the adjacent island, while others were placed on the neck 
and within the precincts of the city. All were employed in 
pressing forward the works for the reduction of Fort Sumter, 
which was garrisoned with the small Federal force under 
Major Anderson. 

Just as in the Revolution, the harbor of Charleston was 
to be the scene of the first struggle in the War Between the 
Sections. 

360. Capture of Fort Sumter. Fearing the arrival of the 
Federal fleet, at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 12th of 
April, 1861, the South Carolinians began the bombardment 
of Fort Sumter. The city was in the wildest excitement. 
The Battery was thronged with anxious watchers, who 
viewed the bursting of the shells over the fort and the flash 
from the portholes, which marked the return fire of the 
besieged. At one time, the flag staff was shot away, and the 
crowd on the Battery greeted its fall with enthusiastic 
cheers. One magnanimous on-looker cried, "Hurrah for 
Anderson, too," and the crowd took up the cheer. 

During the bombardment, the much dreaded Federal 
fleet appeared. To the surprise of the besiegers, it lay idly 
by and made no effort to aid the garrison. In thirty-three 
hours after the commencement of the siege. Major Anderson 



The History of South Carolina. 



267 




surrendered. His defense had been feeble. His ammunition 
and provisions were not exhausted, the walls were not in- 
jured to any great extent and not a man had been killed 
on either side. Major Anderson's little garrison was trans- 
ferred to one of the vessels lying in the offing. The waters 
of the bay were alive with boats of rejoicing sightseers. 

Fort Sumter was in the hands of 
the State again, and many felt that 
the war was ended. 
(^361. Rush of Preparations. 
Upon the fall of Fort Sumter into 
the hands of the Confederates, Vir- 
ginia seceded from the Union, and 
applied for admission as a member 
of the Confederacy. The north- 
western portion of this State, loyal 
to the Union, refused to secede and 
was admitted into the Union as the 
State of West Virginia. Troops were 
sent to this new State, whereupon Virginia applied to Gov- 
ernor Pickens of South Carolina for aid. Governor Pickens 
issued a call for volunteers for Confederate service. The 
regiments which had been formed had only enlisted for State 
service. At the call of Virginia, the men were at first slow to 
respond. They had no idea of the magnitude of the strug-gle. 
They thought that Virginia could defend her borders as South 
Carolina had done. It was not long, however, before they 
began to enHst for Confederate service, and their regiments 
were sent to Virginia. 

362. The Confederate Capital. Following the lead of Vir- 
ginia, North Carolina and Arkansas seceded from the Union 
in May, 1861, and Tennessee in June, 1861. This made 
eleven States in the Confederacy. Virginia invited the Con- 
federate government to make Richmond its capital. South 



Milledge Luke Bonham. 
Brigadier General in tlie 
Confederate Army and Sec- 
ond War Governor of South 
Carolina. 



268 The History of South Carolina. 

Carolina, as the leader of the secession movement, was 
undoubtedly entitled to leadership in the new government, 
but she generously ' waived her claim and used her great 
influence in giving that honor to Virginia. Richmond be- 
came the capital of the Confederacy. President Davis made 
the city his headquarters and the first Confederate Congress 
was called to meet there. In the Senate of this Congress 
South Carohna was represented by Robert W. Barnwell 
and James L. Orr. 

363. Strength of the Opposing Sections. At the outset, it 
looked as if the United States had the advantage of the Con- 
federacy in every way. In the first place, there were twenty- 
three Northern States, while there were only eleven in the 
Confederacy. The population of the former was 22,000,000, 
while that of the latter was 9,000,000, a large portion of which 
were negroes, and unavailable for army service. Again, the 
United States had a regular trained army of 16,367, and a 
navy, which however small and inefficient, was better than 
none. Besides this, the wealth of the North far surpassed 
that of the South. There were enormous mills, foundries and 
manufactories in the North, while the South was only rich in 
the products of its soil. In the hands of the former lay the 
means of furnishing an army with powder and ammunition, 
while the latter was forced to build the necessary works at 
the outset. Lastly, the United States had the immense 
advantage of foreign relations. 

It would seem from this that victory would inevitably 
lie with the United States, but the Confederacy, instead of 
being discouraged at the prospect, was buoyant and certain 
of success. Every Southern man who had the strength to 
carry a gun felt that he was the equal of three '^Yankees." 
They were better trained as a whole than the Northerners. 
They were able horsemen, skillful riflemen, had disciplined 
slaves for two centuries, and were noted for their courage. 



The History of South Carolina. 269 

At that time, also, Southern men were all trained in politics, 
so that the Confederacy was equipped with as able states- 
men as any nation could produce. The fact that they would 
fight on their own soil for their homes and families was in 
their favor. With this superiority, the Confederates were 
not alarmed at the material advantages of their opponents, 
but entered the struggle confident of the outcome. 

364. Resources of South Carolina! In 1860, the white 
population of South CaroUna was 291,388. Of this the 
voting population consisted of 40,000. This is worthy of 
note, as it is carefully estimated that with a voting popula- 
tion of only 40,000, South Carohna furnished about 65,000 
men for the war, and probably the number reached 75,000 
when those used for home defense are included. The State 
contributed many able commanders, of whom we will speak 
in subsequent chapters. 

365. Call to Arms. President Lincoln issued a call for 
75,000 men, and President Davis replied with a call for 
100,000 men. At the capture of Fort Sumter, Lincoln de- 
clared a blockade of the ports of the seceded States and 
called for an increase of the regular army and of the navy 
to enforce the blockade. The Confederate Congress con- 
vened in Richmond on the 29th of April, and authorized 
the raising of $50,000,000. After the blockade declaration, 
harbor steamers, sloops, schooners, and pilot boats were 
requisitioned by the South Carolina authorities. Blockade 
running began immediately after the establishment of the 
Federal blockade in South Carolina waters. 

366. Theatre of War. It was evident from the commence- 
ment of the war that the Unionists would have two general 
objects in view. The first, which was of prime importance, 
was the securing of their capital, Washington, and the offen- 
sive plan of capturing the Confederate capital, Richmond. 
The second was of hardly less importance. The objective 



270 The History of South Carolina. 

of this was the possession of the Mississippi River. The 
possession of this great river would cut the Confederacy in 
two, separating Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana from the 
other Southern States. This accompHshed, New Orleans, 
the chief Southern port, would be in their hands. New 
Orleans had the largest iron foundries of the Confederacy, 
and its loss would be irreparable. 

To prevent the accomplishment of these two objects, the 

Confederacy formed two great 
armies, the Army of Northern Vir- 
ginia, the command of which was 
given to General Joseph E. John- 
ston, and the Army of the West, 
V the command of which was placed 
•' in the hands of General Albert 
Sidney Johnston. Some troops from 
South Carolina volunteered for 
General Barnard E. Bee, Confederate scrvicc, wcrc Sent to 

Who Gave to General Jack- the Army of the Wcst, but the 
son the Name "Stonewall." , ,. - i , •,-, ,^ 

greater portion lought with the 
Army of Northern Virginia, so that our chief interest will 
lie in the battles in Virginia. 

367. South Carolina Leaders. In the early part of the 
summer of 1861, the Confederate forces were gathering in 
eastern Virginia. Among the leaders of note from South 
Carolina were Wade Hampton, Barnard E. Bee, Milledge L. 
Bonham, Johnson Hagood, Micah Jenkins, Benjamin Huger, 
Joseph B. Kershaw, Maxcy Gregg, and Nathan G. Evans. 
On the Potomac, opposite Washington, were massed 75,000 
Unionists, and public opinion in the North was crying loudly 
for a battle. 

At Manassas Junction, near the stream of Bull Run, 
General Beauregard held the main force of the Confederate 
army of 17,664 men. General McDowell of the Union army 




The History of South Carolina. 271 

with 19,925 men moved forward on the sixteenth of July 
to Manassas to attack Beauregard before he could be re- 
inforced. ^)^n"-^ , 

368. First Manassas. The South Carolina commanders 
under Beauregard included General M. L. Bonham, Colonel 
N. G. Evans, who commanded a brigade behind the famous 
stone bridge, General Barnard E. Bee, and Colonel Wade 
Hampton, of the Hampton Legion. Before daybreak on 
the morning of the 21st of July, McDowell attacked Beau- 
regard. Unknown to the Unionists, General Johnston had 
joined Beauregard on the day before the battle, so that the 
opposing forces were almost equal. The Confederates were 
driven back for a mile and a half to a plateau, where General 
Thomas J. Jackson stood. With him were Wade Hampton, 
with the Hampton Legion, and General Barnard E. Bee. As 
the men began to waver at the approach of the Unionists, 
General Bee cried 'Took at Jackson. There he stands like a 
stone wall." Rallying, they drove the Unionists back at the 
point of the bayonet, and, as they rallied, a small force of 
men of General Johnston's army, which had just arrived, 
burst upon the scene and the victory lay with the Confede- 
rates. The Unionists fled in the greatest confusion, thinking 
that a new army was upon them, and it is stated that many 
of the terrified Federals, dropping their guns, ran when no one 
pursued, and did not stop until they had reached ArHngton 
or Washington, thirty miles away. Colonel Evans, with a 
force of only 900 men held back about 9,000 Federals for 
several hours. Ammunition, guns, wagons, or provisions, 
every possible impediment to their flight, were left behind 
and fell into the hands of the Confederates. The Union 
loss was 2,792, and that of the Confederacy 1,969. 

General Johnston afterwards said that the day was saved 
by Wade Hampton of South Carolina. The State sustained 



272 The History of South Carolina. 

a great loss that day in the death of General Bee, who had 
given Jackson the soubriquet of ''Stonewall." 

369. Eflfect of Battle. The defeat of the Union army 
caused consternation in the North, and the army was de- 
nounced as a band of cowards. Confident in the expecta- 
tion of victory, many members of the United States Congress 
had ridden down in their carriages to witness the great 
triumph over the rebellious States. The disaster was a 
terrible blow to their hopes, but it made them realize the 
gravity of the struggle and the need for preparation. 

On the other hand, the South was carried away with 
enthusiasm at the victory. The Unionists had put up only 
a feeble defense at Fort Sumter, and at Manassas they had 
fled in a panic. Even the North had denounced its army as 
a band of cowards, and in Europe, after the capture of Fort 
Sumter, it was said that ''An American battle is not as 
dangerous as an American steamboat." Thus was the South 
misled into a false sense of security. 

370. Prepatations in South Carolina. The regiments re- 
maining in the State were quartered on various islands and 
at military posts during the year 1861, where they were 
drilled and disciplined for war. They were also engaged in 
erecting bomb-proof batteries, building causeways, and in 
numerous ways strengthening the coast defense. Colonel 
Hagood's regiment, the First South Carohna Volunteers, 
was sent to Cole's Island, where Colonel Hagood had com- 
mand of the posts on Stono. During the year Colonel Hagood 
was in several skirmishes with the enemy, whose ships were 
constantly prowling about the coast. 

During the year, the Confederates set about manufac- 
turing arms and powder, but they never had an adequate 
supply. Privateering was begun, and boats were almost' 
nightly slipping out from Charleston through the inlets, 
avoiding the Federal vessels which blockaded the harbor. 



The History of South Carolina. 



273 




These privateers inflicted much damage upon the Federal 
merchant marine. 

371. The Trent Afifair. In October, 1861, President Davis 
chose James Mason of Virginia and John Slidell of Louis- 
iana to represent the Confederacy at London and at Paris. 
These two men left Charleston on the night of October 12th, 

in a blockade runner, and reached 
Havana, where they took passage on 
the British steamer 'Trent." The 
Trent was stopped the next day by 
an American sloop and the two men 
taken off, carried north and con- 
fined as prisoners of war. Eng- 
land was indignant at the capture, 
and for a time it looked as if the 
United States would be involved 
in war with England. President 
Lincoln averted war, however, by 
releasing the prisoners and disavow- 
ing the act of the commander of the 
sloop which had stopped the Trent. 

372. Federals Take Port Royal. In November, 1861, a 

fleet of fifty Federal ships left Hampton Roads for Port 
Royal. In a storm at sea, several ships were lost, but the 
remainder reached Port Royal early in November. This 
post was commanded by the Confederate general, Thomas 
F. Drayton, and there was a small fleet in the sound, under 
the command of Commodore Tattnall. This force was con- 
temptible in comparison with that of the Federal fleet 
which carried a land force of 12,000 men. The cannonading 
began on November 7, and in a few hours the Confederate 
fire was silenced. Tattnall set fire to his little fleet and es- 
caped, and Port Royal fell into the possession of the United 
States. The region about Port Royal and Beaufort was 



General Nathan G. Evans, 
Whose Bravery Distin- 
guished Him at First 
Manassas, Resigned from 
the United States Army to 
Fight for His State. 



274 The History of South Carolina. 

occupied. Beaufort, one of the wealthiest and most culti- 
vated towns of its size in the world at that time, was pil- 
laged. The larger plantations and princely houses along the 
seaboard were looted and devastated, and the whole section 
laid waste. After the fall of Port Royal the sea islands as 
far north as Edisto were abandoned and fell into the hands 
of the enemy. 

373. End of the Year 1861. On the whole, however, the 
Confederacy was well satisfied with the results of the year 
1861. Fort Sumter had been taken. Its armies had been 
victorious in the one great battle of the year, Manassas, 
also in Missouri at Wilson's Creek, and in October at Ball's 
Bluff, Virginia, another battle was fought in which the 
Confederates were victorious and the Unionists disastrously 
defeated. Manufactories had been built; the men put in 
training, and altogether the prospects were bright for the 
coming year. 



CHAPTER XXVni. 

PROGRESS OF THE WAR— 1862-1863. 

374. Alarm in Charleston. The year 1862 opened with 
depressing reverses to the Confederate arms in the West. 
The strong fortress, Fort Donaldson, on the Mississippi 
River, was taken by the Unionists in February. Shortly 
after this disaster, the Confederates were victorious at the 
battle of Shiloh, but their loss was extremely heavy, and in 
the battle their commander. General Albert Sidney Johnston, 
was mortally wounded. This was followed by other reverses 
in the spring, and in May, after a long siege. New Orelans 
fell and was occupied by the Unionists. South CaroHna 
became alarmed when the daily bulletins described the 
distress of the Crescent City, under the iron rule of ''Beast 
Butler," one of the most infamous of the Union officers. 
The State became anxious for the safety of its port, Charles- 
ton, which excitedly clamored for active preparations for 
its defense. 

375. Charleston Under Military Rule. Governor Pickens 
proclaimed martial law over Charleston and the Council 
warned non-combatants to depart. Colonel Johnson Hagood 
was appointed provost marshal. The city was known to 
be infested with spies, so that stringent laws regarding pass- 
ports out of Charleston were passed. No one was allowed 
to leave the city without a written permit from the provost 
marshal, and all on entering were required to report to his 
office. The sale of liquors was prohibited and all barrooms 
were closed. Sentinels were posted at all places of egress 
from the city. Boats were ordered to anchor at certain 
designated wharves where they were held for inspection. 
These regulations were rigidly enforced. 



276 The History of South Carolina. 

376. The Enemy Plan to Attack. In the midst of these 
preparations, the fleet which had taken Port Royal deter- 
mined upon an attack upon Charleston, hoping with a sud- 
den blow to wrest the city from the Confederates. With 
the withdrawal from the other sea-islands after the fall of 
Port Royal, the James Island lines had become the main 
line of defense of Charleston, on the Stono River side, from 
which the attack was to be made. The defenses of the island 
had been erected by the troops which had been stationed 
there at the commencement of the war. The engineering 
was faulty, the Hues too far from the river front and too 
long for defense, and the breastworks incomplete. There 
were two redoubts. Fort Pemberton and Secessionville. 
The troops on the island were sufficient for its defense, but 
had never seen actual service. 

377. Commencement of the Campaign. The fact that the 
enemy intended to enter Stono River was made known to 
the South Carohnians by the movement of the blockading 
vessels off Stono Inlet in sounding and buoying the channel. 
On the 19th of May, several gunboats attempted to enter 
the Inlet, but one ran aground and the rest put back. On 
the next day, three gunboats entered Stono River and began 
to shell Cole's and Battery Islands. By the last of May, 
the gunboats were running up the river every day sheUing 
everything in sight, even peaceful citizens riding in their 
buggies, but not within range of Fort Pemberton. On the 
25th of May, Captain F. M. Bonneau, on a little floating 
battery, manned with only two or three guns, gallantly 
returned the fire of an attacking gunboat and drove the 
enemy away. 

378. Gallantry of Colonel Capers. In the first days of 
June there were more than twenty Federal vessels in sight 
of the troops on James Island. On the 3rd of June it was 
reported that the enemy had landed on the extremity of 



The History of South Carolina. 



277 




the island. Colonel Ellison Capers was sent out with several 
companies to ascertain their position. He came upon the 
enemy and in a sharp skirmish drove back a force which 
was greatly superior to his own. When he had driven the 
enemy back a mile and a half heavy reinforcements advanced 

supported by gunboat 
fire. Capers retired in 
good order, having cap- 
tured twenty-three pris- 
oners, and with only one 
of his men missing and a 
few wounded. His gal- 
lantry and discretion 
were marked. 

In the ensuing days 
there were several skir- 
mishes on different parts 
of the island.^ In ex- 
pectation of the general 
engagement four of the 
best regiments were or- 
ganized into a brigade 
of '^Advanced Forces." 
Colonel Hagood was re- 
lieved of his duties as 
provost marshal of Charleston and was put in command 
of this new brigade. 

379. The Battle of Secessionville. At 4 a. m., on the 16th 
of June, Colonel Hagood received word that the Secession- 
ville picket had been driven in and that the enemy were 
advancing. Colonel Hagood at once ordered the "Advanced 
Forces" to Secessionville. Arriving there, they found that 
the Unionists were making their second assault upon the 
fort. Colonel Lamar, in command of the work, had been 




Ellison Capers, General in the Confed- 
erate Army and Afterward Beloved 
Bishop of the Episcopal Church in South 
Carolina. 



278 The History of South Carolina. 

superintending the erecting of defenses all the previous 
night, and, worn out, had fallen asleep on the parapet, 
awaking when the attack was made. He, himself, had pulled 
the lanyard of the columbiad and aroused the garrison. At 
the second assault the Federals were repulsed and retired, 
leaving their dead and wounded upon the field. The Fede- 
rals had 6,000 men engaged in the battle and 1,500 in reserve, 
while the Confederates had 1,300. The loss of the enemy 
was 574, while that of the Confederates was 150, killed and 
wounded. The battle of Secessionville was one of the most 
decisive engagements of the war. The Federals lingered 
on James Island until the early part of July, but made no 
further attack. The attempt to take the city of Charleston 
was over for a time. South Carolina was elated at the suc- 
cess of her arms. 

380. Inland Expeditions of the Enemy. South Carolina 
was divided into several military districts, for the protection 
of the country from inland expeditions of the Unionists. 
Troops were stationed in these districts to guard the rail- 
roads, and also as an advanced guard to the city of Charles- 
ton. During the year 1862 there were numerous little ex- 
peditions up the rivers to destroy the railways. Two of these 
were defeated at Pocotaligo and one at Coosawhatchie. 
There were frequent collisions between the Confederate 
pickets and those of the enemy. Yankee gunboats running 
up the Edisto were a cause of great excitement to South 
Carolinians. 

Thus the year 1862 passed in South Carolina. The chief 
interest of the people of the State, however, lay in Virginia, 
where the great game of war was being played on a grand 
scale. 

381. Campaign to Take Richmond. While the year 1862 
was proving somewhat uneventful within the borders of 
South Carolina, the battles in Virginia were of thrilling 



The History of South Carolina. 279 

interest. In the spring the Unionists commenced what is 
known as the Peninsula campaign. This began at Williams- 
burg, in the lower part of Virginia, and was another effort 
to take Richmond. At Williamsburg, Micah Jenkins led 
the South Carohna regiment, known as the Palmetto Sharp- 
shooters. One-half of the Confederate forces engaged were 
under the command of General Richard H. Anderson, of 

South Carolina. In this campaign, 
we find Wade Hampton of South 
Carolina with the Hampton Legion 
performing signal service for the 
army. In the battle of Seven Pines, 
May 31, 1862, the brigade under 
General Micah Jenkins distin- 
guished itself by charging a thicket 
held by the Federals. The South . 
General Micah Jenkins Carolinians, charging over logs and 

Who Distinguished Him- i j. i j j.u ^ r 

self in the Peninsula Cam- breastwor'.:s, drovc them out of 
P^^^°' their camp in the thicket, and, 

pursuing them, captured a second camp. Jenkins' men 
followed the Federals into a swamp. General Hampton 
led a brigade of infantry into this battle. His men fought 
with desperate bravery and half of them fell. 

At the battle of Seven Pines General Johnston was 
wounded, and General Robert E. Lee was made commander- 
in-chief of the Southern army. Following the battle of 
Seven Pines, there were seven days of bloody fighting be- 
fore Richmond, ending in the battle of Malvern Hill, in 
which General Huger of South Carohna gallantly led his 
division. This ended the Peninsula campaign, having failed 
in its intended object — the capture of Richmond. General 
Lee retired to Richmond and General McClellan, com- 
mander of the Federals, was recalled to Washington. 




280 The History of South Carolina. 

382. Campaign in Northern Virginia. Having failed to 
capture Richmond from the south, a campaign was begun 
in August in northern Virginia, with General Pope in com- 
mand of the Federals. In this campaign, we find Wade 
Hampton second in command of the cavalry of the army. 
The battles of this campaign were fought around the scene 
of the first great battle of the war — Manassas. One battle 
was fought, and ended in a second victory for the Confede- 
rates, on almost the same ground, and was called second 
Manassas. Throughout the campaign the Confederates 
were wonderfully successful. Early in September Pope 
retired to Washington, discouraged at the dismal failure of 
the campaign. The summer of 1862 had been a disastrous 
one for Federal arms. 

383. The Chambersburg Raid. In October, 1,800 Con- 
federates were selected from different regiments for a raid. 
Wade Hampton was placed second in command, and Colonel 
M. C. Butler of South Carolina had charge of Hampton's 
advance. South Carolina had just cause to be proud of the 
gallant and successful manner in which the raid was con- 
ducted. 

On the 10th of October Butler's scouts captured the 
Federal picket at the ford of the Potomac, which the raiders 
expected to cross. Rapidly the crossing was made and the 
march pushed to Chambersburg, where lay great supplies 
of Federal stores. Chambersburg was reached in safety, 
Hampton made military governor of the town, and Butler 
placed in immediate command. After destroying the great 
storehouse of army supplies and ammunition, the home- 
ward march was resumed. This return of course was hazard- 
ous, as the country had been thoroughly aroused at the 
appearance of the raiders and numerous companies were out 
to intercept them. The Confederates succeeded in eluding 
these companies, and made the trip of over eighty miles 




The History of South Carolina. 281 

in twenty-seven hours, a remarkable feat. The rear guard 
under Butler had destroyed one-quarter of a million of war 
material and had captured 1,002 horses. The expedition 
was memorable not only for its daring and success, but for 
its scrupulous respect of private property. 

384. Hampton and Butler Capture Christmas Stores. In 
December, the Federal army of 120,000 men, now under 

General Burnside, lay encamped be- 
fore the town of Fredericksburg. 
The scouts brought information to 
General Hampton that a cavalcade 
of wagons containing Christmas 
stores for the army had left Wash- 
ington for Fredericksburg, and 
Hampton decided to attack the 
military escort on the road and se- 
Geoeiai Maxcy Gregg cure some of the stores for the 

Who With Desperate Valor r^ c i ± a j-u i j 

Held the Confederate Left Confederates. ^ As the cavalcade 
at the Battle of Second encamped One night at the old town 
^^''^''^'- of Dumfries, Colonel Butler charged 

while the troopers were asleep. The wagons were seized and 
the spoils divided among the cavalry. The troops were well 
supplied with shoes and gloves, eatables and all kinds of 
Christmas confections. 

385. The Battle of Fredericksburg. On the 13th of De- 
cember, General Burnside attacked General Lee's army of 
80,000 men as it lay on the heights near Fredericksburg. 
In General Lee's army were the brigades of Kershaw and 
Gregg. Part of Kershaw's men held a position on top of a 
hill from which large bodies of Federals attempted to drive 
them without success. The result was disastrous defeat for 
the Federals. During the day their loss was 12,000. After 
the battle, the demoralization was such that entire com- 
panies deserted and came over to the Confederate lines. 
South Carolina and the Confederacy sustained a great loss 



282 



The History of South Carolina. 



in this battle in the death of General Maxcy Gregg, who 
fell fighting bravely. He was succeeded as brigade com- 
mander by Colonel Samuel McGowan, who was promoted 
to brigadier general soon after. 

386. Prospects Bright for the Confederates. With the 
victory at Fredericksburg the year 1862 drew to a close. 
% The almost unbroken re- 

verses to Confederate 
arms in the West during 
1861 had continued 
through 1862, and at 
the close of 1862 the im- 
portant post of Vicks- 
burg on the Mississippi 
River was in a constant 
state of siege by the 
Union forces. The Con- 
federates had been so 
highly successful in Vir- 
ginia, however, that 
never during the war 
were their prospects so 
bright as during the 
Christmas of 1862. 
387. TheFallofVicks- 
burg. In the first great battle of the year 1863, victory lay 
with the Confederates. This was the battle of Chancellors- 
ville, Virginia. There was great rejoicing in the Confederacy 
at this victory, but there was much anxiety over the siege of 
Vicksburg, the last Confederate post on the Mississippi River. 
The city had been in a state of siege for over six months. It 
had been shut off from the world by the Union forces, and 
food was running low. In the spring the only foodstuffs to be 
had was mule meat, dried peas and cornmeal. At the begin- 




General Matthew C. Butler, the Great 
Cavalry Commander. 



The History of South Carolina. 



283 



ning of July, the city was at the point of starvation, and on 
the 3rd Vicksburg surrendered with its army of 37,000. This 
was a crushing blow to the South. The Confederacy was now 
cut in two, and the great Mississippi River was in undis- 
puted possession of the enemy. 

388. The Battle of Gettysburg. After the victory at Chan- 

cellorsville, public opinion 
in the South demanded an 
invasion of Northern terri- 
tory. During the last days 
of the siege of Vicksburg, 
General Lee marched into 
Maryland and from there 
into Pennsylvania. With 
him, and second in com- 
mand of the cavalry of the 
army, was Wade Hampton. 
The army met the Union 
forces at Gettysburg, Penn- 
sylvania. For three days 
the battle raged, at the 
end of which the losses 
of the two armies reached 
fifty thousand, about half 
on each side. On the 
third day of the battle a 

part of the corps of General Longstreet (a South CaroUnian 
by birth) made one of the most daring charges in the history 
of warfare, but the battle ended in defeat for the Confede- 
rates. The battle over, Lee's army was so badly crippled 
that he was forced to retire to Virginia. 

389. The Victory of Chickamauga. In mid-summer, 1863, 
the Federal army of the West, which, after the fall of Vicks- 
burg, had steadily drawn nearer the heart of the Confede- 




General Joseph B. Kershaw, 
Who Fought Gallantly at Chick- 
amauga and in Virginia. 



284 



The History of South Carolina. 







^ 



\f 



racy, met the Confederate army of the West at Chicka- 
mauga, Tennessee. The Federals held two passes through 
Missionary Ridge which lay between the combatants and 
Chattanooga, already in the possession of the Federals. 

General Bragg, who 
commanded the Con- 
federate forces, planned 
to take the two passes 
from the Federals and 
then capture Chatta- 
nooga. In Bragg's army 
there were three South 
Carolina brigades — 
Kershaw's, Gist's, and 
Manigault's. These were 
under the command of 
General Hood. The bat- 
tle of Chickamauga 
lasted two days and was 
one of the bloodiest in 
the history of the war. 
General Hood was 
wounded and General 
Kershaw took command of the South Carolina troops. Many 
of the soldiers of this State lost their lives in these two 
days. Among the wounded was Colonel Ellison Capers. 
On the second night the Federals withdrew to Chattanooga, 
the battle ending in Confederate victory. 

390. The Battle of Missionary Ridge. Although the battle 
of Chickamauga was considered a Confederate victory, 
General Bragg's plan of taking possession of Chattanooga 
had not been accomplished. After the battle the Confede- 
rates occupied Missionary Ridge, just south of Chatta- 



^■*T 




Lieutenant General Richard H. Anderson 
of Sumter. 



The History of South Carolina. 285 

nooga and Lookout Mountain. The Federals in Chatta- 
nooga were heavily reinforced until they greatly outnumbered 
the Confederates. The entire Union army concentrated upon 
Missionary Ridge and Bragg was driven from Missionary 
Ridge in overwhelming defeat. This defeat of Bragg ended 
the campaign of Chattanooga and secured to the Union 
the entire Mississippi Valley. Bragg's army retired to the 
mountains of Georgia. 

Of the four Confederate strongholds — Richmond, New 
Orleans, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga— three were now in 
the undisputed possession of the United States Army. 

The loss of Vicksburg and the battle of Gettysburg were 
terrible blows to the Confederacy. The South began to 
realize the full gravity of the struggle. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

PROGRESS OF THE WAR— 1863-64. 

391. Defense of Charleston Harbor. All through 1862 
every effort was made in South Carolina to equip an ironclad 
flotilla for use against the Federal ships blockading Charleston 
harbor. The ironclad ships ' 'Palmetto State/' "Chicora/' 
and ''Charleston" were built. In addition torpedoes and 
mines were placed in the waters of the harbor to sink the 
Federal ships should they try to enter. 

On January 31, 1863, just before dawn, occurred the 
famous breaking of the blockade by the "Palmetto State" 
and "Chicora." Steaming away from their anchorage, the 
"Palmetto State" attacked the foremost of the blockading 
vessels, while the "Chicora" engaged several other enemy 
ships. The attack of the two Confederate ironclads took 
the Federal fleet by surprise. The "Palmetto State" plunged 
an iron ram, attached to its prow, into the hull of the vessel 
it had engaged and fired a shot into its boiler. The Federal 
ship surrendered. Then the "Palmetto State" went to the 
aid of the "Chicora." A fierce battle followed between the 
Federal ships and the two ironclads, in which the former 
vessels were dispersed, after suffering great injury. The 
victory of the two ironclads was celebrated at St. Philip's 
Church. 

General Gillmore undertook, in April, 1863, a formidable 
campaign against the city of Charleston. The increase of 
the Federal fleet in Stono River gave warning of attack 
upon the city. Charleston was guarded by batteries on 
Mt. Pleasant and on the several islands which formed 
the entrance of its harbor — Long Island, Sullivan's Island, 
Morris' Island and James Island. At the mouth of the 
harbor, and directly opposite the city, lay Fort Sumter, 



The History of South Carolina. 287 

which the State had recovered from Federal hands in strik- 
ing the first blow in 1861. Confederate forces in South 
CaroHna were under the command of General Beauregard. 

On the 7th of April the ironclad fleet of the enemy, con- 
sisting of eight vessels, crossed the bar and proceeded toward 
Fort Sumter. Their progress was marked by fire from the 
batteries on the islands of the harbor all of which concen- 
trated their shell upon the leading vessel, which, soon dis- 
abled, retired down the channel. Upon the withdrawal 
of the crippled ship, a second vessel, the Keokuk, approached 
within 900 yards of Fort Sumter. This vessel met with a 
like fate and retired in forty minutes. The remaining ships 
dropped one by one out of range of the batteries after an 
action of two hours and twenty-five minutes. On the 
following day it was found that the Keokuk had sunk near 
Morris' Island. The Confederates, with a loss of only 14 
men, had successfully repulsed the enemy in the first attack 
of the campaign against Charleston. 

392. Campaign Resumed. After the attack on Fort Sum- 
ter in April, operations against the city were not resumed 
until July. Troops had been withdrawn from South Caro- 
lina and sent to Virginia and to the army of the West to such 
a degree that there were but 5,861 men guarding the fortifi- 
cations around Charleston in July. Governor Bonham, 
who had succeeded Governor Pickens in 1862, was appealed 
to for slave labor to assist in the erection of fortifications, 
and the work was pushed forward in the expectancy of 
daily attack from the enemy. 

In July, the campaign of the enemy was resumed, not 
directly against the city as in April, but against Morris' 
Island. On the 10th of July, Federal troops assaulted and 
carried the south end of that island. During the months 
of July and August the Unionists from their position on 
Morris' Island started a terrific bombardment of Batteries 



288 The History of South Carolina. 

Wagner and Gregg (also on Morris' Island). These bat- 
teries were feebly garrisoned by our troops and almost 
every day of the two months was marked by acts of heroism 
in holding the forts against the enemy. However, on the 
7th of September, they were forced to evacuate these bat- 
teries, leaving Morris' Island in possession of the enemy. 
The State's loss on the island during the two months siege 
was 641 men, while it is estimated that the loss of the Union- 
ists was ten times as great, thus showing that our troops 
fought not only gallantly but effectively. 

393. Fort Sumter Bombarded. Having forced the Con- 
federates to evacuate Morris' Island, General Gillmore 
turned his attention again to Fort Sumter, sending in a 
demand for its surrender. This was promptly refused by 
Major Stephen Elliott, its commander. Upon this, on the 
9th of September, an attempt was made with a fleet of 
forty barges to take possession of the fort. When the barges 
were within a few yards of the fortress. Major Elliott ordered 
his men to open fire. This they did, some even throwing 
missiles over the walls which fell upon the nearest boats, 
upsetting them. The fire with which they were received was 
so murderous that the boats turned back, and the attack 
was repulsed, but not before twelve officers and 109 men of 
the enemy had been captured. Major Elliott's courageous 
conduct was particularly commended. 

394. Demolition of Fort Sumter. With the failure of the 
assault from the barges in the effort to capture Fort Sumter, 
General Gillmore made no other direct attempt upon Charles- 
ton, but confined himself to a cannonade of Fort Sumter. 
During the winter of 1863 the incessant shelling went on 
until in the spring of 1864 the old fort lay a mass of ruins, 
under which its defenders by burrowing through its debris 
still held to their posts. 'Working under almost ceaseless 
fire, they had converted this wreck of an artillery fort. 



The History of South Carolina. 



289 



without a single gun to reply to her long range assailants, 
into an infantry post comparatively safe for its defenders, 
and with which, after one feeble effort, its assailants had 
never the nerve to grapple in assault." 

395. Life at the Posts. Through the terrific bombardment 
of the enemy Fort Sumter had become only a defensive 




Monumcut to General Wade Hampton, Chief in Command of Cavalry of 
the Confederate Army in 1864 and Governor of the State After Recon- 
struction, 



work. This its garrison made habitable by indomitable 
energy. Under the debris they had constructed for them- 
selves a well-lighted living place, well ventilated and made 
cheerful and clean with whitewash. Under the wreck of a 
fort were barracks for sleeping, with bunks for the men not 
on duty, hospital quarters, rooms for arms and an office 
for headquarters. 



290 The History of South Carolina. 

On the posts on the sea islands, the troops settled them- 
selves for the winter of 1863-64, always on guard from attack 
of the enemy and yet spending a winter pleasant in many 
respects. The army commissariat was very poor, but the 
men were near home and baskets and boxes made up for 
what they failed to get from the commissary. They were 
often visited by their friends and relatives, and it was not 
unusual to see ladies on horseback and in carriages on James 
Island. It is said that dances were frequently held at posts 
likely at any minute to be fired upon by the enemy. Horse 
races were also held for amusement and many were the 
rabbit hunts and cock fights to lighten the dull hours between 
the intermittent fires of the Unionists. 

396. Preparations for Campaign of 1864. Union arms had 
been so successful in the West and had suffered so disas- 
trously in Virginia that the North came to beheve that its 
leaders in the West were more efficient than those in Virginia. 
General Ulysses S. Grant, who had victoriously commanded 
the Western army, was made commander-in-chief of all the 
forces of the United States, and General Grant himself was 
to lead the Army of the Potomac. The objective, as in 
the beginning of the war, was to capture the Confederate 
capital — Richmond. In each attempt to take Richmond 
the Union army had been repulsed with tremendous loss 
by Lee's troops. Another great campaign was now about to 
be begun in the spring of 1864. 

Every effort was put forth to make the campaign a success. 
Grant was given 150,000 men. These formed a splendid 
army, organized, well drilled, handsomely clothed, well-fed, 
and with plenty of arms and ammunition. All that money 
could accomphsh had been lavished in equipping this army. 
On May 4th it began to move, a brilliant mass of blue, 
followed by thousands of wagon-trains weighted with luxu- 



The History of South Carolina. 291 

ries for the soldiers. It is said that this train of wagons in 
a straight hne would have stretched sixty miles. 

397. Condition of the Army of Northern Virginia. To with- 
stand this gorgeous army of 150,000 men which was crossing 
the Rapidan to Richmond was a ''slender line of grey," 
Lee's army of less than 60,000 men. These soldiers were 
unpaid and underfed. Each man was supposed to get a 
half pound of bacon or salt pork and a pint of cornmeal 
or flour per day, but it was rare for him to get these full 
rations. There was very little sugar and coffee, and the 
soldiers had little foraging from the country, as it had been 
practic'ally denuded of food supplies. Their clothes were 
ragged and they were greatly dependent upon capture from 
the enemy for mounts, saddles and arms. The horses of 
the army naturally suffered also from the lack of necessary 
provisions, and to the wounded soldiers only the rudest 
attention could be given. 

In preparation for the campaign several regiments were 
sent from the sea islands of South Carolina. Of these were 
the 4th, 5th, and 6th Cavalry, which formed General M. C. 
Butler's brigade, and the 11th, 21st, and the 25th infantry, 
which formed General Johnson Hagood's brigade. The 
campaign of 1864 in Virginia is especially noteworthy to 
South CaroHnians because of the remarkable cavalry feats 
performed by Wade Hampton. 

398. Grant's Campaign. General Grant's campaign lasted 
one month. In conjunction with him, General B. F. Butler, 
of New Orleans fame, was to approach Richmond from the 
south, destroy the crops, mills, railroads, and in general 
devastate the country to the south of the capital. In carry- 
ing out this plan, Butler met with opposition. At the battles 
of Walthal Junction, Swift Creek, and Drury's Bluff we 
find Generals Hagood and Butler of South Carolina fighting 



292 



The History of South Carolina. 



bravely with their brigades which had but just arrived from 
the sea islands. 

General Grant with his army crossed the Rapidan on the 




Monument to the Devoted Women of the Confederacy Erected in Columbia 
by the People of South Carolina. 

4th of May, and the first battle of the campaign took place 
on the 5th and 6th, in a heavy growth of underbrush, known 
as the Wilderness. This resulted in victory for the Con- 
federates. On the 12th the battle of Spottsylvania occurred, 



The History of South Carolina. 293 

the second of the campaign. During the battle Grant 
captured a part of Lee's breastworks. McGowan's brigade 
and a Mississippi brigade were ordered to retake this posi- 
tion. The struggle for it lasted twenty hours, during which 
the men fought in trenches on either side of the breastworks. 
Kershaw and Jenkins with their commands also fought in 
the battle of Spottsylvania. General Jenkins was mortally 
wounded. This battle resulted in victory for neither. The 
losses on each side were frightful. The week following this 
battle the two armies remained inactive and then drew 
together again, meeting on the 3rd of June, at the site of 
the battleground of Cold Harbor, in 1862. Lee was in a very 
strong position, but Grant ordered an attack despite this. 
The Charleston Light Dragoons fought here with desperate 
valor. The assault lasted less than an hour, and in this 
short period the Union loss reached nearly thirteen thousand. 
It is said that this is the bloodiest half-hour in American 
history. 

The battle of Cold Harbor ended the campaign. From 
the Wilderness to Cold Harbor General Grant had lost 
60,000 men, a number greater than Lee had had under his 
command at the beginning of the campaign. Grant had 
proved that he was no match for Lee as a strategist. 

399. The Siege of Petersburg. Abandoning the attempt to 
carry Richmond directly, Grant crossed the James River 
and took position in front of Petersburg, determining to 
take this city by storm. Petersburg lies twenty miles directly 
south of Richmond, and was fortified independently of the 
capital. Grant immediately began shelling the city and 
there ensued three days of continuous fighting, which was 
called the Battle of Petersburg. In this three days fighting 
the Union loss totaled 12,000 men. The Confederate loss 
compared to this was inconsiderable. After this unsuccessful 



294 The History of South Carolina. 

storming, Grant settled himself before the city for a siege 
which lasted through the summer and the following winter. 

The hardships of the poorly equipped Confederates during 
this long siege can scarcely be imagined. The fighting was 
done in trenches. No one was allowed to leave his assigned 
place without permission. From dark until daylight half 
of the men were permitted to lie down in the bottom of the 
trenches and sleep. At dawn, day after day, the shelling 
would commence. No part of the trenches was absolutely 
safe and there were deaths every day. Aside from the actual 
danger, the discomfort of the trenches was almost unendura- 
ble. With each rain, no matter how slight, the trenches 
became soggy, and with heavy rains the men stood waist 
deep in muddy water. In a short time the trenches were 
noisome and disease became rife. The command was re- 
duced by August to nearly one-half its strength. Such was 
the life of the Confederate soldier in the trenches of Peters- 
burg in 1864. Among the South Carolina troops at Peters- 
burg were the brigades of Kershaw, ElHott, and Hagood. 

400. The Trevillian Campaign. While the fighting was 
going on in the trenches of Petersburg, General Grant formed 
the plan of reducing Richmond by destroying the railroad 
connection between Richmond and the fertile Shenandoah 
Valley in the northwestern part of Virginia, thus cutting 
the capital off from its food supply. With this commission 
he entrusted General Sheridan, who slipped away from the 
army on June 8th and made his way northward to the 
Charlottesville and Gordonsville railroad. 

News of this intended destruction of the railroad being 
brought by scouts to General Wade Hampton, he applied 
to General Lee for permission to frustrate Sheridan. Having 
received permission, with a force only half equal to that of 
Sheridan, Hampton followed him. Coming upon him at 
Trevillian Station, he opened attack on the morning of 



The History of South Carolina. 295 

June 11th. The fighting which lasted three days was a 
purely cavalry combat, in which Sheridan was entirely out- 
generaled by Hampton. Only a few feet of the railroad 
were destroyed and with a loss of 1,512 men Sheridan re- 
treated. The Confederate loss was under 700. This cam- 
paign is of especial interest to South Carolina because of 
its noteworthy cavalry feats under the direction of Wade 
Hampton. 

401. Hampton and His Cavalry. Wade Hampton's ser- 
vices to the army of Northern Virginia in 1864 are inestima- 
ble. From the beginning of Grant's campaign, which began 
in the Wilderness in May, Hampton and his cavalry were 
continually at work. They were the ears and eyes of the 
army. It was their business to protect the railway com- 
munications from the enemy, to insure Richmond against 
all raiding parties, to capture wagon-trains of the enemy, 
destroy their depots, report their movements and ascertain 
their plans of attack. There was scarcely a day when there 
was not some cavalry skirmish. Besides these daily skir- 
mishes, we find Hampton in all the large battles — at the 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and fighting bravely at Cold 
Harbor. 

In August, 1864, General Lee placed Harhpton in chief 
command of the cavalry of the army. In the last months 
of the year 1864 we find him annoying the enemy in every 
conceivable way. In September, almost within rifle shot 
of the encampment of the Army of the Potomac, he made a 
cattle raid and brought off 2,468 beeves. He also captured 
a large quantity of the enemy's stores, burned three camps 
and carried off eleven wagons and 304 prisoners, himself 
losing only 61 in killed and wounded and missing. He 
had marched 100 miles in three days. The stores and beeves 
captured were a godsend to the Confederates. This is 
only one of the many instances of Hampton's services to 



296 The History of South Carolina. 

the army. He frequently dismounted his men and fought 
them as infantry, using the carbine, and thus introduced a 
new method of cavalry fighting. 

402. Sheridan Raids Shenandoah Valley. On October 5th, 
Sheridan began a march of destruction through the fertile 
valley of the Shenandoah. He burned all the mills stocked 
with wheat and flour, and two thousand well-filled barns. 
He carried before him all the cattle and left the valley deso- 
late. This destruction meant of course a serious loss to the 
Confederates. 

403. End of Virginia Campaign— 1864. The year 1864 
drew to a close without seeing the accomplishment of the 
Federal object of the campaign to which they had devoted so 
many lives and so much money and effort — the capture of 
Richmond. 

404. Lines of Union Tighten. While the year 1864 was 
proving so successful to Confederate arms in Virginia, the 
South was losing the fight in the West. After the loss of 
Chattanooga, the Confederates, J. E. Johnston in command, 
had encamped for the winter at Dalton, Georgia. In the 
spring of 1864, General Grant planned a campaign to de- 
feat this force and take possession of Atlanta, which was an 
important military base and railroad center. For this cam- 
paign he selected General William T. Sherman, and placed 
100,000 men at his disposal. General Johnston had 65,000 
men in his command. 

The campaign began in May and lasted four months. 
Sherman steadily, though with great losses, drew nearer 
Atlanta, held at bay by the master tactician, Johnston. 
In July, President Davis removed Johnston from command, 
replacing him with General Hood, who was no match for 
Sherman. Hood fell back to Atlanta and the Federal coils 
quickly tightened around the city. Unable to hold the city. 
Hood escaped with his army and Sherman entered on 



The History of South Carolina. . 297 

September 2. The Unionists were now in the very heart of 
the Confederacy. 

405. War in North Carolina. The year 1864 closed with 
the appearance of a large Federal fleet at the mouth of the 
Cape Fear River in North Carolina, for the reduction of 
Fort Fisher, which controlled the entrance to the port of 
Wilmington. The first effort of this fleet, however, was 
feeble and the campaign of 1864 ended in a Federal reverse. 
General Hagood says that not realizing the significance of 
Sherman's approach at this time ''on the lines before Rich- 
mond to Lee's army, erect and defiant, there appeared no 
reason why the war should not last another four years." 
Certainly in the ranks of the Confederates there was no 
premonition of defeat of Southern arms. 



• CHAPTER XXX. 

DOWNFALL OF THE CONFEDERACY. 

406. Savannah Falls into Federal Hands. We left Sher- 
man in Atlanta, whence, after wholesale destruction, he 
began a march to the sea. His army was 52,000 strong. He 
divided this force into four parts with instructions to march 
along parallel routes to Savannah and to cover fifteen miles 
each day. Sherman's force had 65 heavy guns, 600 ambu- 
lances and 2,500 wagons. The men were given instruc- 
tions to destroy all railroads and public property. The 
path of this army was from forty to sixty miles broad, and 
when the army passed over the country was desolated. 
Approaching Savannah, the city was evacuated, and the 
Federals, entering on Christmas day, took possession. The 
enemy had now reached the very gateway to South Carolina. 

407. Last Western Reverse of Confederates. General Hood, 
after evacuating Atlanta, turned westward to Nashville, 
with the purpose of deflecting and moving to Virginia to 
join Lee. At Nashville, however, he met with a superior 
force of Unionists, and going into battle in an unadvan- 
tageous position his army was defeated and thoroughly routed. 
This was the last of the many Confederate reverses in the 
West. 

408. The Fall of Fort Fisher. With the arrival of the 
Federal fleet in the Cape Fear River, General Lee sent some 
of his force to the aid of that fort. Among these was General 
Hagood with his brigade of South Carolinians. The Con- 
federates were fighting against overpowering odds and on 
the 15th of January the Unionists completed the capture 
of the fort. This closed the last Confederate port on the 
Atlantic seaboard and made effectual the blockade of the 
Southern States, which Lincoln had declared in 186 L 



The History of South Carolina. 299 

409. Sherman Unopposed. Between Sherman, at Savan- 
nah, and Charleston and Columbia there was no force of 
importance to contest his march. After Fort Fisher had 
fallen, even the limited value of the port of Charleston be- 
came of prime necessity, but the available forces that could 
have been used for the purpose of defending South Carolina 
were not concentrated. Had Wilmington been evacuated, 
about 16,000 men would have been released for this pur- 
pose. There were approximately 10,000 troops in and around 
Charleston, and with the remnants of Hood's army it is 
estimated that about 40,000 men could have been collected 
to meet Sherman. Nothing was done, however, and Sher- 
man's army had free rein. An ineffective force lay in North 
Carolina, another in Charleston, and there was still another 
under General J. E. Johnston, whom Lee had restored to 
command in spite of the opposition of President Davis. 

410. Dissatisfaction with the Government. By the end of 
1864 there was to be heard on all sides complaints of the 
management of affairs of the Confederacy. On all sides 
there were protests against the inefficiency of the commissary 
department, and there were many who did not scruple to 
make accusations of systematic peculations. With the 
naturally fertile soil of the South, there was an abundance of 
food to supply its armies, when, as a matter of fact, the 
soldiers from the beginning of the war rarely had the neces- 
sary nourishment, and towards the end of the struggle they 
were actually in a starving condition. The government, 
among other things, was accused of neghgence in control 
of railroad facilities. One instance related is that when Lee 
sent General Hagood and his brigade, among other troops, 
to the relief of Fort Fisher that in going from Danville to 
Greensboro, a distance of forty-eight miles, the time for 
the transportation was three and a half days. General Ha- 
good relates that on this journey he met with a party of 



300 The History of South Carolina. 

Confederate Congressmen, from whom for the first time 
since the commencement of the war he heard expressions 
of doubt of the success of Confederate arms. General 
Hagood states that they were demoraUzed and accuses them 
of having grossly failed in the discharge of their duties. 
There was also dissatisfaction with President Davis, who 
was charged with meddling with the military. It was claimed 
that if General Lee had from the commencement been put 
in untrammeled charge of all the forces of the Confederacy, 
east and west, the result would have been different. 

411. South Carolinians in North Carolina. After the fall 
of Fort Fisher, the Confederates for a time retained their 
lines below the city — at Fort Anderson and at Town Creek. 
General Hagood of South Carolina, with a force of 2,300, 
most of whom were South Carolinians, was in command of 
the Fort Anderson lines. After a stubborn resistance, the 
Confederates were forced to retire from these lines toward 
the last of February, upon which the evacuation of Wilming- 
ton was determined. On the 22nd of February, the troops 
marched out after destroying everything that they could 
not carry away which would be of service to the enemy. 
As the troops marched out, the vessels in the harbor, the 
cotton and the naval stores were in flames. 

412. The End in Sight. It is a curious fact that the South 
did not realize that the collapse of the Confederacy was in 
sight. All plans were being made for an extensive spring 
campaign, when it was the case that the days of the govern- 
ment of the slave-holding States were numbered. The West- 
ern army had been practically annihilated, the important 
North Carolina posts had fallen, Lee's army was in almost 
starving condition, every Southern port was blockaded, and 
Sherman stood at the very gateway of South Carolina, 
and yet the South with indomitable will still fought for a 
successful issue. 



The History of South Carolina. 301 

413. Sherman Marches from Savannah to Columbia. It is 

said by many authorities that a decided animus against the 
''original secessionists," as South Carohnians were called, 
was exhibited even among the common Federal soldiers, 
and that in marching through Georgia threats of vengeance 
against the Palmetto State were heard on all sides. What- 
ever may be true as to their intentions, however, it was the 
case that on entering South Carolina a course of wanton 
destruction and vandalism was pursued. 

It was thought that Sherman would move directly to- 
ward Charleston, that hotbed of secession, but the course 
followed lay to Columbia through the towns of Hardeeville, 
Grahamville, GiUisonville, McPhersonville, Barnwell, Black- 
ville, Midway, and Orangeburgh. The population of the 
State consisted entirely of old men, women, and children 
too helpless to oppose the invader. From Savannah for 
eighty miles along the route of the army the habitations 
of but two white families remained. Cotton gins, presses, 
factories, barns, fences were fired. Provisions were de- 
stroyed and cattle driven away and in numerous cases, 
despite the pleas of the mothers, cows were taken away, 
upon which helpless babies were dependent for food. On 
many plantations, in ribald merriment, the soldiers poured 
on the ground barrels of molasses and then dumped in it 
sacks of flour, grits, meal, and other provisions so as to 
spoil it for the use of the owners. The old men were treated 
with harshness, women suffered indignities, their jewelry 
and their silver were stolen and divided among the soldiers. 
Especial vengeance was wreaked upon the plantations of 
prominent South Carohnianf^. General Jamison's home, 
''Burwood," with its magnificent Hbrary; ''Woodlands," 
the home of William Gilmore Simms, containing another 
fine library; "Millwood," Wade Hampton's home, and nu- 
merous others were all reduced to ashes. Pursuing this course, 



302 



The History of South Carolina. 



the army reached Lexington, after a small battle near the 
town of Orangeburgh. At Lexington, it was common talk 
among the soldiers that the city of Columbia was to be 
burned. 

414. The Burning of Columbia. On February 16th, Colum- 
bians heard the roar of cannon, and the enemy on reaching 
the river commenced shelling the city. The next day the 



I5COR.RS 



(4- CORJPS 

ZO COK.PS 

•*/-'( 7 CORP3 




K^-tf C0R.P6 
I51H COR-RS 

17^^ Corps 

SOiy CORJPS 



Map Showing Counties in South Carolina in 1915 With Routes Taken 
Through the State by the Devastating Corps of Sherman's Army in 1865. 

Federals crossed on pontoon bridges and General Hampton 
with his small force, which had been returned to South 
CaroUna, moved out of the city as the overpowering force 
of the Federals entered. Mayor Goodwyn met Sherman, 
surrendered the city to him, and received his promise to 
protect it with the words, ''Go home and rest assured your 
city will be as safe in my hands as if under your control." 



The History of South Carolina. 303 

The Federals entered about midday and bivouacked on 
the streets and in vacant houses. Almost immediately they 
began breaking into stores and warehouses, taking from these 
what gold, money, and jewelry were to be found and scatter- 
ing the rest of the wares on the streets. The streets of the 
city were filled with blue-coated soldiers. 

Toward evening the soldiers became more and more 
noisy and unruly in their conduct, and everywhere Colum- 
bians were threatened darkly as to their coming fate. In 
some cases warnings to escape were given citizens by kindly 
soldiers. Thus it came not entirely as a surprise when, at 
dark, three rockets went up and at this signal fire broke out 
almost simultaneously in various quarters of the city. The 
citizens brought out the fire engines and hose, but the sol- 
diers prevented them from using these by disabling the 
engines and cutting the hose with their sabres. As the fire 
made headway, the troops became madder and madder. 
A perfect carnival of pillage ensued. They made no con- 
cealment of setting fire to houses. Some ran in and set 
fire to the lace curtains, others threw coals of fire into the 
beds, and others with combustible material fired houses 
from the outside. 

As the fire became general, the streets were filled with 
terror-stricken women and children, who ran about with 
clothing and valuables tied up in sheets. These bundles in 
numerous instances were snatched away from them by the 
soldiers, great numbers of whom were by this time crazed 
by liquors, pillaged from the cellars of the city. The Han- 
overian consul, who was in Columbia on the terrible night 
of February 17th, says in recounting the story of the burn- 
ing of the city that he heard the cries of distress from women 
and children pursued by the Federal soldiers, saw rings 
snatched from the women's fingers by the soldiers, earrings 
pulled out of their ears, and their clothing torn off. 



The History of South Carolina. 305 

Numbers of the citizens made their way to the State Insane 
Asylum in the northeastern part of the city, the loyal slaves 
following them with bundles. Soon the Asylum grounds 
were dotted with these homeless Columbians, who spent 
the night under the trees. The morning of February 18th 
dawned upon a scene of sad devastation in the capital of 
South Carohna, which lay in ruins. 

415. Sherman Marches from State. Charleston also suf- 
fered heavily as an indirect result of Sherman's march through 
the State. When he entered South Carolin;i, the authori- 
ties were convinced that his objective was Charleston. It 
was decided to evacuate the city rather than surrender it. 
Accordingly, in preparation for evacuation, the South Caro- 
lina ironclads in the harbor were blown up. An accidental 
ignition of some powder at the Northeastern Railroad depot 
caused a considerable fire. 

After burning Columbia, Sherman resumed his march. 
He went toward North Carolina through Winnsboro, Cam- 
den, and Cheraw, leaving behind him a country desolated 
by fire and the wanton destruction of his troops. From 
Cheraw he entered North Carolina, where his army was 
engaged by a Confederate force of 18,000 men under General 
Johnston at Bentonville. The Confederates were out- 
numbered and defeated. 

416. Evacuation of Richmond. At daybreak on the morn- 
ing of April 2nd, Grant ordered a general assault along the 
lines at Petersburg. Before night the battle was over, and 
12,000 Confederates had been taken prisoners. On the same 
day Lee sent a dispatch to President Davis which read, 
"Richmond must be evacuated this evening." Indescriba- 
ble confusion followed. Nine ships in the river and tobacco 
and cotton warehouses were burned. All the citizens who 
could left the city. On the next day Federal troops took 
possession of the capital of the Confederacy. 



306 The History of South Carolina. 

417. Surrender at Appomattox. Lee made an effort to 
escape with his army, but he was handicapped by the fact 
that his men were starving. He was forced to halt and 
forage. Grant divided his army into three sections for the 
purpose of capturing Lee, who was finally hemmed in by 
the Federal forces. In attempting to cross the Appomatox 
River, on April 9, 1865, Lee fought a last desperate battle. 
He had then, at a liberal estimate, only 35,000 men, who were 
ragged, starved, and weary. Opposed to these tattered 
heroes were 100,000 well-fed, well-equipped, and fresh troops 
of the enemy. The battle was fought fiercely, but when 
reinforcements for the Federals appeared, Lee was obliged 
to hoist the white flag in token of surrender. The number 
of Confederate troops he surrendered to General Grant was 
28,231. The terms of surrender were agreed to at Appo- 
mattox Courthouse. On April 26th following General 
Johnston surrendered his army to Sherman at Greensboro, 
North Carolina. The War between the United States and 
the Confederate States was ended. 



VI. 

SOUTH CAROLINA DURING 
RECONSTRUCTION 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER RADICAL GOVERNMENT. 

418. The State in Ruins. None of the Confederate States 
paid so dearly in the war, in proportion to its means, as did 
South CaroKna. Out of 146,000 white males of all classes 
its loss in killed and disabled aggregated 40,000. When it 
is recollected that South Carolina in 1860 had a white voting 
population of only 40,000, this loss will be realized in its 
disastrous extent. Its loss in slave property reached 
$200,000,000. The assets of its banks, all of which were 
lost, amounted to $5,000,000. The burning and seizure of 
cotton meant a loss of $20,000,000. It is estimated that of 
the $400,000,000 of property in South Carohna in 1861 
nttle more than $50,000,000 remained in 1865. 

Charleston had been in a state of siege from 1861 to 1865. 
Large areas of the city were in ruins from the constant 
shelhng. Also portions of the city had taken fire when 
evacuated at the approach of Sherman. In Columbia 86 
squares of the city had been burned, consuming in all 1,386 
buildings. The destruction of Columbia had entailed great 
loss upon the entire State, as, thinking that Columbia, the 
capital of the State, would be strongly defended, thousands 
of citizens from various parts of the State had taken up their 
residence there and brought with them their valuables, 
which suffered from either pillaging or fire. With Sherman's 
march through the rural parts of the State, the country had 
been left destitute. The district around Beaufort had been 
in the occupation of the enemy since 1862, and had conse- 
quently suffered wanton destruction. Large granaries had 
been burnt and rice fields had been flooded by the enemy 
so as to destroy the growing crop. 



810 The History of South Carolina. 

419. Soldiers Return to Their Homes. Several days after 
Lee's surrender rumors began to reach the soldiers in North 
Carolina of the downfall of the Confederacy. At first they 
were incredulous, and it was not until the 27th of April 
that the truth of the rumors was confirmed. Shortly after- 
wards they returned to their homes. As one poor Con- 
federate remarked dolefully to a Northerner, ''We wore our- 
selves out whipping you." 

They were truly worn out. When the South Carolinians 
reached their homes, ragged and in a starving condition, 
it was to find their houses in ruins, their larders empty, and 
their crops destroyed. General Gillmore, with his head- 
quarters at Hilton Head, was in command of the State. 
Governor Magrath had been imprisoned and was held in 
Fort Pulaski at Savannah. All civil authorities had been 
deposed. 

420. President Lincoln's Plan. It was President Lincoln's 
idea that the seceding States should be restored to the Union 
under terms dictated by the President; that is, that they 
should declare the freedom of the negro, should cease resis- 
tance, appoint provisional governors, and take the oath of 
amnesty, which was to be offered to all but men who had been 
prominent in the war. On the 14th of Aprils 1865, Lincoln 
was assassinated. Andrew Johnson, vice-president of the 
United States, became president. Johnson set himself to 
carrying out the restoration plans of Lincoln. 

On May 29, 1865, President Johnson issued a proclama- 
tion granting amnesty to the Confederates upon stated 
terms and conditions. The proclamation granted full pardon 
and restoration of civil rights except as to slaves. Pardon, 
however, was denied to thirteen classes of men, among 
whom were all who had held rank above colonel in the 
Confederate army, all officers who had received their edu- 
cation at West Point or at the United States Naval Acade- 



The History of South Carolina. 311 

my, all who had left seats in Congress to aid their States in 
the war, and all who had voluntarily participated in the 
war whose taxable property was over $20,000. 

Upon the issuance of this proclamation, meetings were 
held in South CaroHna, at which resolutions were adopted 
expressing a desire for a place in the Union and for the re- 
establishment of civil government. Committees were sent 
to Washington to ask that a provisional governor be ap- 
pointed, and from among the names President Johnson 
assented to that of Benjamin F. Perry of Greenville. 

421. Restoration of Civil Government. Emancipation be- 
came a recognized fact by June, 1865. What was called 
the 'Treedmen's Bureau" was estabhshed by order of General 
Gillmore for the protection of the rights of the freed negro 
slaves. 

Governor Perry directed civil officers to resume their 
duties and called for an election of delegates to carry out the 
plans of President Johnson's proclamation for restoration 
into the Union. Pardons were granted in large numbers, so 
that delegates would be eligible to the convention which 
met in Columbia in September, 1865. This convention 
prohibited the holding of slaves, prepared for the meeting 
of the legislature, and called a session of the legislature. 
The elections were held, and James L. Orr chosen governor. 

In November the regular session of the legislature con- 
vened. The important work of this body consisted of laws 
to establish relations between the negro and the white man. 
By these acts the negro was to have the right to acquire 
property, to make contracts, and to receive protection under 
the law in his person and property. Various acts granting 
rights were passed and then very severe legislation enacted 
for the protection of the white man against the negro. 
This was to be the cause of deep indignation in the North 
and these laws came to be designated as the ''Black Code." 



312 The History of South Carolina. 

422. South Carolina's Position. South Carolina intended, 
of course, to accept quietly the results of the war, but had 
no intention of submitting to negro domination. The State 
was willing to give the negro equal protection under the 
law, but was decidedly unwilling to give him the ballot with 
the right to sit on juries. The negroes were in such large 
majority that the vote for them would mean their suprem- 
acy and giving it to them was not to be considered. 

It must be realized that the State had a tremendous prob- 
lem to face in the sudden liberation of thousands of irre- 
sponsible, uneducated, unmoral, and, in many cases, brutish 
Africans. The people of South Carohna felt that were all 
restraint taken from them they constituted a menace and 
therefore stringent laws were thought necessary to hold 
them in bounds. 

Refusal to give the negro the ballot was not considered 
an unjust thing in various parts of the Union. In 1865, 
negro suffrage was rejected by Connecticut, and in 1867 by 
Ohio, Kansas, and Minnesota. Thus it was never imagined 
in the South that negro supremacy would be forced upon 
them at the point of the bayonet. 

423. Restoration Apparently Complete. By the time for 
the convening of Congress in December, 1865, restoration of 
the Southern States in the Union was apparently complete 
and it seemed that there was nothing further necessary 
except representation of the South in Congress. 

As was to be expected the year since the defeat of the 
Confederates had been a very difficult one for South Caro- 
linians. At first Federal garrisons had been composed 
solely of white men. Soon, however, negro troops came. 
These troops were for the most part insolent and arrogant 
and in some cases their conduct was so intolerable that 
riots seemed inevitable. The presence of negroes in authority 
so excited the freed slaves that they lost their heads. There 



The History of South Carolina. 313 

occurred terrible cases of assault and murder. The presence 
of the negro troops became finally so obnoxious that there 
was a general feeling of relief when toward the end of 1865 
they were removed to the coast. Their removal undoubtedly 
prevented bloody race riots. 

Benjamin F. Perry and John L. Manning were elected 
to the Senate of the United States. 

424. Congress Voids President's Restoration. Congress 
convened in December, 1865. It was immediately apparent 
that it had no intention of accepting the President's plan 
of restoration for the seceded States. Congress was deter- 
mined to teach the South a lesson for its "rebellion," and its 
policy soon showed that it looked upon the war as one waged 
by the North, not for the preservation of the Union, but for 
conquest. President Johnson was severely criticised, and his 
acts were declared merely provisional by Congress. The 
credentials of the Southern representatives were laid upon 
the table. A committee was appointed to investigate the 
true condition of affairs in the "rebel" States. This com- 
mittee instead of going to the "rebel" States to investigate, 
held their inquiries in Washington. These investigations 
were made through officers of the Freedmen's Bureau. In 
June, the committee reported to Congress that the bitter- 
ness and defiance of the Southern States towards the Union 
was unparalleled in the history of the world, and that in its 
opinion the burden rested with these States to show that 
they had a claim to be reinstated in the Union. Congress 
then offered to the South for ratification, as a condition to 
entering the Union, what is known as the fourteenth amend- 
ment, by which negroes were allowed the ballot. The se- 
ceded States, with the exception of Tennessee, refused to 
ratify it. 

425. South Under Military Law. The report of the com- 
mittee and the refusal of the Southern States to ratify the 



314 The History of South Carolina. 

fourteenth amendment, led to the passage of an act divid- 
ing the Southern States into five military districts, with an 
officer of the Federal army in charge of each. The act set 
forth that it was ' 'necessary that peace and good order 
should be enforced in said States until loyal and republican 
State governments can be legally established." President 
Johnson vetoed the act. Congress immediately passed it 
over his veto and it became a law. 

426. Policy of Restoration. The Reconstruction Acts of 
Congress declared that before a person could qualify as a 
voter it was necessary to swear that he had never been a 
member of any State legislature, or held any executive or 
judicial office of any State, or had been a member of 
Congress, or held any executive office of the United States 
and afterwards been engaged in ''insurrection or rebellion 
against the United States." The act required that the 
seceded States should remain under military authority until 
an election was held calhng a convention which should adopt 
a republican constitution and a legislature should be con- 
vened which should ratify the fourteenth amendment to 
the Constitution. The fourteenth amendment provided that 
no person should be debarred from the right of suffrage 
because of color, race or previous condition of servitude. 
The enforcement of this amendment would mean that 
negroes would have the full right of suffrage and that they 
should be entitled to sit on juries. 

In March, 1867, Major General Daniel Sickles, U. S. A., 
under the provisions of the Reconstruction Acts, assumed 
command of the second military district, made up of North 
and South Carohna. South Carolina was divided into 
eleven military divisions, each under the command of an 
officer of the United States army. In April, General Sickles 
issued what was called order No. 10, by which negroes were 
made eligible as jurors. Judge A. P. Aldrich, in holding 



The History of South Carolina. 315 

court in Edgefield, refused to obey this order and was 
promptly removed from office. Gradually county officials 
were removed and replaced by military appointees. In 
Charleston the city officials were one by one thrown out and 
replaced by Northerners and negroes. The State was being 
dealt with as a conquered province, under the sway of 
absolute militarism. 

427. Coming of the **Carpet Baggers." With the passing 
of the State under the control of the army of the United 
States, South Carolina was overrun with Northern and 
foreign adventurers, negroes, alleged preachers and mission- 
aries, who came to the conquered province for the ''pickings" 
to be found. So meager were their possessions that it was 
said that they brought all their belongings in a carpet bag, 
and were therefore known to the people of the State as 
''carpet baggers." Like hawks after their prey, they swooped 
down upon South Carolina, and under the protection of 
the military authorities usurped the offices of the State and 
enriched themselves from its coffers by fraud and robbery. 
With these adventurers some corruptible native whites of 
the State joined hands. Such men were called "renegades" 
or "scalawags." The "carpet-baggers" arid the "renegades" 
made common cause in setting the negro up in power with 
the purpose, not of benefiting the ignorant negro, but of 
filling their own pockets. 

428. The Republican Convention. By order of General 
Sickles, in pursuance of instructions of the Restoration Acts, 
a general registration of voters was called for. This regis- 
tration showed 78,982 blacks and only 46,346 whites eligible 
to vote. So many white South Carolinians were debarred 
from voting in Beaufort, as a glaring instance, that the 
registration showed 2,500 negroes allowed the ballot and 
only 65 whites. An election was held to vote for or against 
the holding of a State Convention as was directed by the 



316 The History of South Carolina. 

Reconstruction Acts. Of course, the majority was for the 
Convention, which met in Charleston in January, 1868. 
It was said that never in a civiUzed country was there any 
equal to this body of law-makers. Of its members there 
were 73 negroes and 51 whites, the total taxes paid by the 
delegates was $359.70, an average of less than three dollars 
each. It was composed of (1) native whites, many of whom 
were of ill repute (''scalawags"); (2) Federal officers; (3) 
former slaves, and (4) ''carpet baggers," among whom it is 
said there were seven preachers. Of the 124 delegates 44 
were not natives of the State. Of these were some from 
Denmark, Ireland, Dutch Guinea, and other foreign coun- 
tries. There were few white men of good repute in the 
State who had not borne arms for the Confederacy and in 
denying a great portion of these the ballot the real intelli- 
gence, virtue and wealth of South CaroHna was excluded 
from the Convention. 

429. Convention's Constitution Approved by Congress. 
The Convention, after long and heated arguments as to the 
pay of its mongrel members, drew up a Constitution, by 
which the right of suffrage was conferred upon every male 
citizen of 21 years, or over, not debarred by the Recon- 
struction Acts of Congress. No property or educational 
qualifications were required for voting. Slavery was pro- 
hibited and extensive and costly provision was made for 
the education of the negro children. In this section the 
schools for whites were opened to negro children. 

Upon the adoption of this Constitution, a convention of 
conservative Democrats was held in Columbia at which 
a protest was made to Congress. This convention declared, 
among other things, that the Constitution excluded the 
best men of the State from voting, that it forced white 
children to go to school with negroes, entailed a system of 
education which the impoverished State could not support 



The History of South Carolina. 317 

and supplanted intelligence with ignorance. It also declared 
that South Carolinians would not submit to negro rule. 
An election was held for the ratification of the Consti- 
tution. A majority of voters having voted for it, Congress 
was notified. Despite the protest from the Democratic 
Convention, Congress approved the Constitution. 

430. Radical Supremacy. The stamp of Federal approval 
having been given to the Constitution formed by the Repub- 
lican Convention, there followed an election of a Radical 
legislature under it. The Democrats only succeeded in choos- 
ing twenty members of the body. This RepubHcan legis- 
lature was convened in July, 1868. Its first act was to ratify 
the fourteenth amendment, the 20 Democrats of course 
voting against the ratification. Upon this action of the 
legislature. Congress readmitted South Carolina to the 
Union. The State had been restored to the Union by the 
vote of the negroes, ''carpet-baggers," and ''renegades." 
Governor Orr was removed and General R. K. Scott of 
Ohio took his place. The Federal military authorities gave 
over control to the civil, and, passing from under military 
rule which for a little more than a year had been enforced 
at the point of the bayonet, South Carolina started upon 
its dark period. 

431. Radical Legislature of South Carolina. The legisla- 
ture elected for the terms 1868-1869 and 1870-1871 was 
composed of 78 negroes and 46 whites. The amount of 
taxes paid by all the legislators amounted to $635.23. The 
body consisted of carpet-baggers, renegades, and negroes. 
Some members could only write their names in a mechani- 
cal fashion, and never as a whole was such gross ignorance 
displayed in a legislative body. 

The results of such an incompetent legislature were 
exactly what was foreseen. At the end of the second term 
the State debt had increased from $5,407,306.27 to 



318 The History of South Carolina. 

$14,833,349.17. At the close of the year 1870, all counties 
were in debt except Anderson and Fairfield. The average 
annual tax for some years before the war had been less than 
$550,000. In 1869, the taxes amounted to $1,764,357.41. 
The public school system was grossly inefficient. The selling 
of votes was common. In the legislature bribery and graft 
were rife. As the election of 1870 approached, a negro 
militia was raised and guns issued to them so that they 
could help the Republicans carry the election. This militia 
with the aid of the armed constabulary, which had been 
created in 1869, was very efliicient in the campaign. Governor 
Scott was re-elected. 

432. Two More Years of Radical Rule. The taste of the 
second Radical legislature was more luxurious than that of 
the first. For the session of 1870-1871, the expenses were 
$679,071.83. In the journals of the body we find bills for 
chandeliers, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 apiece; window 
curtains $500 to $1,500; sofas $150 to $175; Gothic chairs 
$70 to $90. To cover the cost of such expenditures as these 
and to perpetrate frauds on a still larger scale, bonds of the 
State were issued. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds 
went into the pockets of the members of the legislature 
and its hangers-on. Public funds faihng, the Insane Asjdum 
was maintained with funds donated by private individuals. 
The legislature did not provide any money to support the 
elaborate school system which it had created. Some of the 
schools were kept going by funds given by Northerners. 
The State debt at the close of the session of 1870 had in- 
creased to $22,371,306. 

The increase in the State debt so aroused the taxpayers 
that they called a ctmvention, which recommended to the 
people of the State resisting of the payment of the fraudu- 
lent bonds. Also an appeal wa;s made to the legislature for 
the passage of an election law by which the 60,000 tax- 



The History of South Carolina. 819 

paying voters would have proportionate representation in 
the legislature with the 90,000 voters who paid no taxes. 
This appeal had no effect. 

433. Attempt to Enforce Negro Equality. Early in his 
first term, Governor Scott started the custom of giving 
official receptions at the executive mansion, to which blacks 
and whites of both sexes were invited. Negroes were put 
on the board of trustees of the South Carolina University, 
and a new board was created for the Insane Asylum, which 
adopted the policy of non-separation of the races at the 
institution. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

OVERTHROW OF RADICAL GOVERNMENT. 

434. The Ku-Klux Klan. Shortly after the close of the 
war with its consequent emancipation of the negro, in 
almost all of the conquered States there sprang up secret 
organizations of the white men, who banded together, fearing 
the evil effect unrestricted freedom would have upon the 
ignorant, irresponsible slaves. It must be remembered that 
the State government was hostile to white South Caro- 
linians, and that, although the military had surrendered to 
the civil authorities, the Federal troops still remained in the 
State to stand at the back of the weak, corrupt adminis- 
tration, which, as everyone knew, would stand only so long 
as it had the protection of the United States troops. The 
Ku-Klux Klan organized secretly for the purpose of op- 
position and rejection of the Radical party and for the 
protection of the women of the State. The Ku-Klux were 
always mounted on horses and wore caps and masks to 
conceal their identity, and long white coats which covered 
them and fell down over their horses. The sight of these 
ghostly riders galloping by in the night was a very terrifying 
one to the impressionable, superstitutious negro. A visit 
from the Ku-Klux was sufficient in most cases to turn him 
away from his evil doing. 

435. The Ku-Klux at Work. In South Carolina, the Ku- 
Klux Klan was quiet until the latter part of 1870. It would 
have remained inactive but for the arming of the negroes 
and the conduct of the negro State militia. The militiamen 
became more and more intolerable in their bearing. House 
burning was more frequent and indignities of all kinds were 
inflicted upon the whites. After the October elections, the 
conduct of these armed negroes grew worse and worse. 



The History of South Carolina. 321 

Women were insulted on the streets. In Laurens County- 
there were five or six companies of negro miHtia, which 
proved a source of great concern to the white people. 

In Union the negroes first called down upon themselves 
the summary punishment of the Klan. In January, 1871, 
an ex-Confederate soldier named Stevens was driving a 
wagon containing barrels of whiskey and was stopped on 
the public highway by a company of negro militia, who 
demanded the whiskey. Upon his refusal, he was seized, 
beaten, and finally shot to death. The whites were naturally 
alarmed at this open assasination. The Ku-Klux immedi- 
ately proceeded to disarm the negro militia. The thirteen 
members of the company which had murdered Stevens were 
lodged in jail in Union. The demeanor of the negroes in 
Union became so threatening and so openly sympathetic 
with the murderers that the Ku-Klux went to the jail on 
the night of January 4th, seized two of the negroes and shot 
them. A month later, an order came to remove the prisoners 
to Columbia, and the Ku-Klux, feeling that it was simply 
a scheme to get the negroes away, visited the jail again. 
The negroes were taken from the jail and shot to death. 

436. United States Punishes Ku-Klux. As the Ku-Klux 
became active in every county of the State where the negro 
militia was troublesome, the State government became con- 
cerned. Governor Scott offered to co-operate with the 
whites in restoring order, and all the militia companies in 
the disturbed counties were finally disbanded. 

After the Ku-Klux raids had ceased for some months, 
which they did as soon as the negroes became quiet, Congress 
instituted an investigation, upon which nine counties of 
South Carolina were declared in a state of rebellion, and 
United States troops were sent to occupy them. These 
counties suffered in some instances more from the tyranny 
of the Federal authorities than from the brutishness of the 



Tfie> Citidei 



The Militaru AcadQtyty of<5out^i QzroliitcL- 




Qraun of Buiidinc^s 




Views of Three State Colleges. 



The History of South Carolina. 323 

negro militia. Without proof in most cases, and always 
without warrant, citizens were thrown into jail, often on 
the accusations of negroes that they had been active in the 
Ku-Klux. In one of the rebellious counties — York — there 
were 195 citizens confined in jail. In Union there were 
about two hundred arrests and several hundred in Spartan- 
burg. Some citizens were carried to Columbia for trial. 
These trials were a travesty on justice. All defendants 
were declared guilty and subjected to fine. All were given 
terms of imprisonment ranging from three months to five 
years. 

437. ''The Robber Governor." In 1872, Frankhn J. 
Moses, Jr., of Sumter, became Radical governor of South 
CaroHna. By this time the State was prostrate. Negroes 
were in full control of the government. The controlling 
majority in the legislature was utterly corrupt. Seats in 
Congress were openly bought. The incompetency and dis- 
honesty of the negro government was manifest to everyone. 
No white man felt that his life or property was safe. Presi- 
dent Grant, who had succeeded Johnson to the presidency, 
was sympathetic toward the negro government. Federal 
troops were always at its disposal. The courts of the State 
were corrupted, the juries packed, and perjury prevalent. 

With the election of Moses, the State entered upon a 
perfect orgy of corruption. Moses was the worst of the 
Radical governors. He began his administration as a poor 
man and in two years had enriched himself by the numerous 
frauds which the government was engaged in. The extrava- 
gance of the administration was unsurpassed. For instance, 
"si room in the State House was fitted up wherein to serve 
wines, hquors, eatables, and cigars. Liquors and cigars 
were sent to the houses of members and their friends 
and also the committee rooms. Bowley, the chairman of 
the House committee of ways and means, on one occasion 



324 The History of South Carolina. 

ordered and received one box of champagne, one of port 
wine, one of brandy, one of whiskey, and three boxes of 
cigars. There were various bills for furnishing eatables, 
wines, liquors, and cigars to different legislative committees — 
one dealer testifying that he presented a single bill for $1,800. 
and received therefor a pay certificate." | 

During this administration, negroes entered the South 
Carolina University. There were large deficiencies in the 
treasuries of the various counties. The penitentiary was in 
debt $77,338.40. The asylum was in debt $60,160.66. 

438. Assembling of Taxpayers. In February, 1874, the 
taxpayers of the State assembled again in Columbia. A 
protest was made against the frauds of the government — 
which frauds were being paid for by the taxpayers, who had 
no voice in the government. Another appeal for redress 
was made to Congress. A careful statement of the un- 
lawful expenditures of the legislature was made and an 
account was given of the frauds and plundering. It was 
stated that prominent members of the legislature had openly 
avowed that the taxes would be raised so high that the land 
would have to be sold at public auction. 

A committee of prominent South Carohnians were sent 
to Washington to lay this appeal before President Grant. 
The president received these gentlemen with unpardonable 
rudeness, and Congress, with its usual hostility, afforded no 
redress. A minority of Congressmen, however, protested 
against the action of Congress. This minority begged Con- 
gress at least to send a committee to investigate conditions 
in South Carolina. Concluding, the minority said ''The 
cry of that outraged, helpless and .suffering people has 
reached our hearts as well as our understanding. That 
once prosperous and beautiful State is on the verge of 
ruin. A horde of thieves and robbers, worse than any 
that ever infested any civilized community on earth, have 



The History of South Carolina. 325 

her by the throat and are fast sucking her hfe-blood. Three 
hundred thousand of her citizens, descendants of those who 
fought and won with our fathers the battles of American 
Uberty, are crying to Congress for redress — for help. To 
refuse their request is to drive them to despair and ruin." 

439. Chamberlain Made Governor. In 1874, Daniel H. 
Chamberlain was elected to succeed Moses as governor. His 
administration was the best of the Radical governors. He 
openly accused the legislature of corruption and called for 
the betterment of conditions in the penitentiary and asylum. 
He warned the counties against further deficiences in their 
treasuries, and instituted an investigation into the con- 
dition of the State treasury. He urged reform of the trial 
justice system, by the appointment of honest, competent 
men. In December, 1875, the legislature chose FrankHn J. 
Moses, Jr., former governor, and W. J. Whipper, a Northern 
negro of bad repute, as circuit judges. The election of these 
two men was condemned throughout the State. There was 
universal indignation expressed. All over the State public 
meetings were held in condemnation of the legislature, and 
at these meetings it was declared the accession of the infamous 
men to the bench would be resisted to the end. Governor 
Chamberlain refused to sign the commissions of Whipper 
and Moses. For this the governor was commended by the 
Democrats of the State. It looked as if in the coming 
election of 1876, he would have the support of the Demo- 
crats for re-election to the gubernatorial chair. 

440. The Democrats Organize. In January, 1876, the 
central committee of the Democratic party met in Columbia 
and issued an address to the Democrats of the State. The 
address called for organization of the Democrats for the 
campaign of 1876, and begged that they apply themselves 
to pontics and save the State from the Radicals. Upon 
this call a Democratic club was organized in each county 




Holland Hall Hewberry G>tl.e^e 




Views of Three Denominational Colleges. 



The History of South Carolina. 327 

and before election day these organizations embraced the 
Democracy of South CaroHna. 

Among the Democrats there were two distinct views about 
the Democratic nominee for governor. Some thought that 
the organization should support Chamberlain, as with him 
at the head of the ticket there would be a better chance of 
electing Democrats to the other offices. Others thought that 
the nominations should be for straight-out "Democrat from 
governor to coroners." Notwithstanding this division of 
opinion concerning the nominee there was a general una- 
nimity in the determination to deliver the State at any cost 
from the control of the negroes and Radicals. 

441. The Hamburg Riot. In July, 1876, an incident oc- 
curred which settled the question of the Democratic nominee 
for governor. The village of Hamburg, in Aiken County, 
was in control of the negro, and for several years had had 
enrolled at it a company of negro militia, who were well 
provided with arms and ammunition. On riding through 
the streets of Hamburg one day in July, two citizens of 
Edgefield were insulted by these negro soldiers and when a 
warrant was taken out for their arrest, they threatened to 
lynch the citizens whom they had insulted. On the day 
fixed for the trial, the whites, with General Matthew C. 
Butler of Edgefield as spokesman, asked the negroes to 
apologize for their conduct and disarm. The negroes re- 
fused and began firing. They fortified themselves in a small 
brick drill hall and before any of their number was hurt, 
young McKie Meriwether, a citizen of Edgefield, was killed. 
A small cannon was brought from Augusta. The negroes 
were forced from the building, one of their number being 
killed. The rest were captured and that night five of them 
were shot to death as an example to the remainder. This 
summary proceeding was the culmination, in General But- 
ler's language, of the practice ''of insulting and outraging 



328 The History of South Carolina. 

white people, which the negroes had adopted there for 
several years." 

There were several other riots in various parts of the 
State in which the negroes were dealt with in like manner. 
The white people, now fully aroused, recognized nothing 
but the necessity of bringing them to order. 

Upon the statement of the negroes of the district, Governor 
Chamberlain formed his judgment of the riot. He appealed 
to the president for troops. This action had a decided effect 
in the determination of the Democrats not to support him 
for re-election. 

442. Democrats at Work. In August, at the Democratic 
convention. General Matthew C. Butler nominated General 
Wade Hampton for governor. General Hampton was then 
unanimously chosen by acclamation. We have told of the 
nominee's exploits during the War between the Sections. 
With the question of the nomination settled, the Democrats 
all over the State went to work. Every man enrolled and 
great efforts were made to enroll all the negro men who had 
been loyal to the whites into clubs officered by negro men. 
It was announced that any oppression of these negro Demo- 
crats by the Republicans would surely lead to bloodshed. 
Knowing that the Republicans would stoop to anything to 
gain the election, the Democratic clubs provided themselves 
with arms, and careful plans were made for the protection 
of sparsely settled neighborhoods of whites. Some mili- 
tary organizations were formed, called rifle and sabre clubs. 
The white people, with the State government hostile, were 
forced to look to these clubs for protection. 

443. Opening of Campaign. The campaign opened on 
September 2, at Anderson. There followed enthuasistic 
meetings in each county. The women of the State made 
for the men of their families red shirts, which were worn at 
these meetings. The clubs came to the meetings in military 



The History of South Carolina. 329 

order, each man mounted and wearing a red shirt. General 
Hampton was escorted to flower-decked stands by the red- 
shirted committeemen, while young women sang songs and 
scattered flowers in his path. Every man, woman, and child 
felt that in Hampton was the deliverance of the State. 

As election day approached, the Democrats became more 
and more active. Getting Hampton elected was the business 
of the worthy citizens of South Carolina. Farms were left 
untended, stores were closed, and every Democrat went to 
work for the redemption of the State. Each one set him- 
self the task of winning as many negro votes for Hampton 
as possible. Even the children took up the slogan of ' 'Hurrah 
for Hampton" and this call became the ''battle cry of the 
white people of South Carolina in the fight to rid the State 
of negro rule." 

The Democrats were aided in their fight by the fact that 
the Republican candidates were of such notoriously bad 
character. In some counties white Republicans refused to 
run because of the character of the Republican State ticket. 

Many of the negroes were armed for the election, which 
resulted in several serious riots. In Charleston, a white 
man was killed and five wounded in protecting sopie negro 
Democrats from a party of Republicans, who were trying 
to break up the meeting. Again the negroes tried to inter- 
fere at the joint Democratic and Republican meeting at 
Cainhoy in Charleston County. The negroes began firing 
and six white men were killed and sixteen wounded. Only 
one negro was killed. At EUenton, in Barnwell County, 
the most serious riot occurred. Two negro burglars entered 
a home in the owner's absence and in meeting resistance 
from the lady of the house, beat her and her little son severely. 
One of the negroes was caught, confessed and told who the 
other negro was. A constable with a posse began a search 
for the negro, whereupon the negroes of the district massed 



330 The History of South Carolina. 

in a swamp. Matters went from bad to worse, and in three 
days two whites were killed and eight wounded. The number 
of negroes killed is not known, but it is estimated that 
between 80 and 125 lost their lives. After the appearance of 
a company of United States infantry, it was agreed that the 
whites and the negroes were to disperse. 

444. Federal Troops Again in the State. Governor Cham- 
berlain himself admitted that the responsibility for the riots 
was upon the Republicans, but despite this, he ordered the 
disbanding of the rifle and sabre clubs formed among the 
Democrats. It must be remembered that these clubs were the 
only protection of the white people. President Grant laid 
the responsibility of the riots upon the clubs and also or- 
dered their dispersion. He further ordered the available 
force (which was about 5,000 men) of the military division 
of the Atlantic to report to Columbia. A company or more 
of these United States troops were placed at each county 
seat. In Barnwell and Aiken alone there were upwards of 
two hundred arrests of Democrats made by the Federal 
authorities. Only a few of these ever came to trial and those 
tried were not convicted. 

445. Hampton Elected. There was no blood shed on elec- 
tion day. The polls were in control of the Republican party. 
The troops remained inactive in their camps. The Demo- 
crats worked unceasingly all day, chiefly concerning them- 
selves with getting the negro men to vote for Hampton, 
and with seeing that they were not molested for so doing. 
Conditions in the State were so frightful that the Demo- 
crats were determined to get the government back into their 
hands by any means. It must be confessed that in many 
cases the means used could be justified only by the ends 
sought. 

The count of the ballots showed Hampton elected governor. 
The elections for the House of Representatives returned 



The History of South Carolina. 331 

64 Democrats and 60 Republicans; for the Senate, 15 Demo- 
crats and 18 Republicans, thus giving the Democrats a 
majority of one vote on joint ballot. The news arrived 
shortly after that Rutherford B. Hayes had been elected 
President of the United States to succeed U. S. Grant. 

There was great rejoicing among the Democrats over the 
outcome of the State election, while the Republicans de- 
clared that the Democrats had won by fraud. 

446. The Dual Government. The Republicans asserted 
that there had been frauds in the Edgefield and Laurens 
County elections. The object of this was to throw out these 
counties which would give the majority in the House and 
Senate to the Republicans. Governor Chamberlain de- 
clared that he had been re-elected. 

The General Assembly convened on November 28, 1876. 
At Governor Chamberlain's request President Grant or- 
dered troops sent for use in the State House. These troops 
were placed under the command of John B. Dennis, a corrupt 
individual who had been connected with some of the most 
brazen frauds of the State. A list of members who should 
be allowed to enter was given Dennis — this list excluding 
the Edgefield and Laurens delegates. 

The sixty-four Democratic delegates marched in a body 
to the House, the Edgefield members leading and the Lau- 
rens members coming next. These were refused admittance. 
Whereupon, the entire body of Democrats retired. 

There was naturally great excitement among the people. 
From the steps of the State House General Hampton begged 
the crowd to keep quiet and to preserve the peace. The 
Democratic members proceeded to Carolina Hall, where 
they organized. WiUiam H. Wallace of Union was made 
speaker, and the body of Democratic legislators was known 
as the ''Wallace House." 



332 The History of South Carolina. 

447. Court Decides for Democrats. The Wallace House 
on November 30 marched boldly into the State House. The 
Republicans had organized with E. W. M. Mackey as 
speaker. This body was known as the "Mackey House." 
For several days the two houses remained seated day and 
night, both claiming rightful possession. On Sunday night, 
December 3rd, the Democrats learned that a plot was on 
foot to bring what was known as the "Hunkidori Club", 
composed of about a hundred negroes and low whites into 
the hall of the House and eject the Democratic members 
from Laurens and Edgefield. Telegrams were sent all over 
the State, and by Monday night 5,000 Democrats had ar- 
rived in Columbia. To prevent bloodshed, the Wallace 
House withdrew from the State House. 

Proceedings were instituted in the Supreme Court to 
decide which was the lawful House. The Court declared for 
the Democrats. Despite this decision, the Republicans 
held on. They held an inauguration and proclaimed Cham- 
berlain governor. 

448. The State Redeemed. In the spring of 1877, the 
contest was transferred to Washington. Committees from 
the Chamberlain contingent and from the lawful Demo- 
cratic House presented a memorial to President Hayes (who 
had been inaugurated on March 4) and to Congress. Presi- 
dent Hayes declared Hampton governor and the Democratic 
House lawfully constituted. The Federal troops were re- 
moved from the State House on April 10, 1877, and the 
Wallace House took possession. Governor Hampton was 
inaugurated governor. 

After eight years of negro and Radical supremacy, backed 
by Federal troops. South Carolina had overthrown the 
usurpers and taken possession of the government. 



VII. 
SOUTH CAROLINA IN RECENT YEARS 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

RETRENCHMENT AND REFORM. 

449. Readjustment. There was naturally great rejoicing 
throughout the State over the overthrow of the negro 
government and the subsequent withdrawal of the United 
States troops from the State House. A session of the legis- 
lature was called to convene on April 24, 1877. It will be 
recalled that there was a majority of radical members in 
the Senate. These tried to give trouble in every conceivable 
way, but it was soon found that many of them were so mani- 
festly corrupt that proceedings could be instituted against 
them. It was discovered that Senators Gleaves, Whitte- 
more, Nash, and Woodruff had purchased thousands of 
dollars' worth of liquors at the expense of the State for 
private use and various charges of fraud were brought against 
the different Radical Senators. Some fled the State, and it 
was not long before the Democrats had unhampered control 
of the government. 

A tremendous work of readjustment confronted the State. 
Despite the high price of cotton, many of its citizens who 
could not adjust themselves to the change in conditions 
brought by the abolition of slavery were almost bankrupt. 
Nothing was left them but the lands, with no money to pay 
for cultivating them. The homes lay in ruins where Sherman 
had passed, and a pathetically large portion of the male 
population was physically disabled from wounds received 
in the war. The State was deeply in debt, large deficits 
showed in the treasuries of the various counties, the Peni- 
tentiary and the Asylum were heavily involved, the school 
teachers unpaid, the colleges closed, the Citadel still in the 
hands of the Federal government, the professors of the 



336 The History of South Carolina. 

State University (which was also closed now) with their 
salaries unpaid. 

South Carolina had to face these conditions in taking 
charge of the government in 1877. The law-makers set 
themselves to the rehabilitation of the government, the 
citizens to the rebuilding of their homes and depleted for- 
tunes. With fresh courage and renewed hope South Carolin- 
ians began the work of reorganization and readjustment. 

450. Hampton's Message. At the special session of the 
legislature, in April, 1877, Governor Hampton had cause 
for congratulation in his message to the General Assembly 
for the return of peace and for the general improvement of 
conditions within the State. Governor Hampton urged 
strongly that the debt of the State be not repudiated and 
suggested a small tax for the payment thereof. He recom- 
mended to their earnest attention the free schools and urged 
that claims of teachers against the State during Radical 
misrule should be promptly paid and that also the salaries 
of the professors of the University be paid. Governor Hamp- 
ton recommended that support be given to the State's 
charitable and penal institutions and that the labor of 
convicts be utilized for the support of the Penitentiary, so 
that the institution would no longer be a drain on the already 
impoverished State. In conclusion, he recommended that 
relief be given to those taxpayers who had suffered so from 
the war and reconstruction as to be unable to pay taxes. 

451. Constructive Legislation. The legislature went to 
work with zeal and produced some notably constructive 
legislation. Of sweeping result was the enactment of the 
stock law, which required the fencing of pastures. Prior to 
this cattle had run at large, and the farmers had had to 
fence in their farms, which of course meant a considerable 
curtailment of their farm profits. There was a great deal 
of opposition to this law, but it was not long before its 



The History of South Carolina. 



337 




advantages were evident. For the aid of the farmer, what 
was known as the lien law was passed, which enabled the 
farmers to obtain credit for the running of their farms. ^The 
legislature authorized the employment of convicts in the 
Penitentiary by private persons or corporations, following 

the recommendations to 
that effect in Governor 
Hampton's message. 
Committees were ap- 
pointed for the investi- 
gation of frauds and a 
bill was passed for a levy 
for the support of the 
free schools. 

452. Reorganization. 
In January, 1877, 
Governor Hampton pre- 
sented to the General 
Assembly in a message a 
petition to Congress ask- 
ing for the restoration of 
the Citadel to the State 
and for the reopening of 
its doors. The General 
Assembly passed a law for the reopening of the South Caro- 
lina University. Among other legislation was an act creating 
a commission on claims. A South Carolina Immigration 
Association was incorporated. An inspector of the phosphate 
industries of the State was appointed. Various bills incor- 
porating manufactories were passed. This legislation was 
indicative of the spirit of the State in its work of rapid re- 
organization. 

453. Early History of Schools. It may be well to give 
here a short account of education in South Carolina. When 




John C. Sheppard, Member of the Wal- 
lace House and Afterward Governor of 
South Carolina. 



338 The History of South Carolina. 

the first settlers came to Charles Town in 1670, their entire 
attention was given to the building of homes, protection 
from the Indians, and the struggle for food. , Schools were 
a manifest impossibility. As early as 1710, however, we 
find an act passed to establish a free school in Charles Town. 
Generous citizens donated sums to the educational fund, 
and soon schools were established in the various parishes. 
As the province became wealthier and more prosperous, 
greater efforts were made in the interests of education and 
numerous charitable societies undertook educational work 
for the poor. All this effort in education, it must be under- 
stood, was expressly for the poor. No one went to a free 
school unless too poor to receive an education otherwise. 
The families of the well-to-do had tutors for their children, 
and as soon as their sons arrived at the proper age many of 
them were sent to England for higher education. 

After the Revolution, the province of South Carolina 
became the State of South Carolina and State pride militated 
against the sending of the sons of the State to England. 
Hence, an effort was made to establish higher institutions 
of learning. In 1790, the College of Charleston was opened 
and in 1801 the South Carolina College at Columbia was 
established. A few years later — 1817 — the first college for 
women was founded near Columbia at Barhamville and 
called South Carohna Female Collegiate Institute. The 
Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston was started 
in 1823. In 1839, Erskine College was founded at Due West. 
In 1842, The South Carolina Mihtary Academy was estab- 
lished in Charleston. In 1845, Limestone — another college 
for women — and in 1849, at Cedar Springs, the South Caro- 
lina School for the Deaf and Bhnd, were established, the 
former in what is now Cherokee County and the latter in 
Spartanburg County. 



The History of South Carolina. 339 

During the ten years preceding the War Between the 
States there was a general advance along educational lines. 
Furman College at Greenville, Wofford College at Spartan- 
burg, Newberry College, Greenville Female College, Columbia 
Female College, and Due West Female College, were estab- 
lished in this period. There was also a^^onderful growth 
of private schools and academies. These private schools, 
however, retarded the advancement of the free schools. 
The legislature made increasingly large appropriations for 
the free schools and in 1860 the attendance at them was 
18,915. The free school system, despite active legislative 
efforts, was not a great success then. The white population 
was scattered. The wealthy landowners lived secluded 
lives on their large plantations and would not patronize the 
public schools. The free schools were rather regarded as 
pauper institutions and the poor felt that a stigma rested 
upon them for attending. 

454. Effects of War Upon Education, In 1860, South 
Carolina ranked fifth in the list of States in the amount of 
college endowments. As the war progressed one by one the 
colleges, academies, private schools, and free schools sus- 
pended. The doors of the Citadel closed and of the 226 
Citadel graduates living at the beginning of the war 200 
were officers in the Confederate army. 

Despite the crushing blow of defeat in 1865, the State 
began in 1866 to rehabilitate its educational sy-stem. South 
Carolina College was reopened as the South Carohna Uni- 
versity. Its buildings which had been converted into 
hospitals were restored. Academies and private schools 
were opened and the free schools reorganized for work. 
In 1868, however, these efforts were stopped. The Radicals 
took control of the State. One of the prominent features 
of their Constitution of 1868, it will be remembered, was 
an elaborate system of free schools for rich and poor alike 



340 



The History of South Carolina. 



and for whites and negroes. The schools were a dismal 
failure, because of the corrupt nature of the Republican 
administration. Great sums were appropriated for the 
schools, which through brazen fraud went into the pockets 
of Radical officials. The teachers' salaries were not paid, 
and before the eu4 of Radical rule a majority of the schools 

were forced to close. 
The youths of the State 
were debarred from the 
University, because the 
Repubhcans opened its 
doors to negroes and 
employed negro pro- 
fessors. By the end of 
1876, the free school 
system of South Caro- 
lina under Radical mis- 
management was a 
recognized failure and 
farce. 

455. Reorganization 
of School System After 
1876. The free school 
system created by the 
Radical Constitution 
of 1868 was the real beginning of our present school system. 
The system provides for a State Superintendent of Education 
and for County Boards of Education. Each county is 
divided into school districts managed by a local board of 
trustees. The State Superintendent exercises general super- 
vision. 

Disgusted with Radical misrule, the people of the State 
in 1876 were anxious to wipe out every trace of it, but 




Thomas B. Jeter. Governor of South 
Carolina. 



The History of South Carolina. 



341 




Governor Hampton, the idol of the State as its greatest 
war hero, used all his influence to preserve the free school 
system. The legislature of 1877 passed the levy for free 
school support and the system was retained. 

Even under Radical control, the people had made an 

effort to keep up the 
schools. The Confede- 
rate Home and School 
in Charleston for the 
education of the daugh- 
ters of Confederate vete- 
rans had been estab- 
Ushed in 1867, through 
the efforts of Mrs. M. A. 
Snowden, a public- 
spirited woman of 
Charleston, and in 1872, 
during the administra- 
tion of the ' 'robber gov- 
ernor," WiUiamston Fe- 
male College was started 
at WiUiamston. Its name 
was changed to Lander 
College when it moved to 
Greenwood in 1904. In 
It became the Presby- 




General Johnson Hagood, a Distin- 
guished Confederate Officer and Gov- 
ernor of South Carolina. 



1880, CHnton College was opened 
terian College of South Carolina in 18Q3. 

After Reconstruction, there was for a long time a strong 
prejudice against the free schools and the private schools 
flourished, but gradually the feeling died away and rich and 
poor alike attended the public schools. 

456. Progress. In 1878 Governor Hampton was re- 
-elected governor. Soon afterward he was elected to the 
United States Senate and resigned as governor in February, 



342 The History of South Carolina. 

1879. Lieutenant Governor W. D. Simpson succeeded him. 
Governor Simpson in his message to the General Assembly 
said that the people were beginning to diversify crops^ and' 
more small grain, especially oats and wheat, was being 
planted. There had been greater attention to grasses and 
cattle, and the stock law had worked well. The new governor 
congratulated the State upon the reduction of expenses 
and upon the great development of State industries, includ- 
ing the building of railroads, the successful operation of 
factories, reclamation of land in the lower portion of the 
State, the deepening of rivers, the draining of swamps, and, 
lastly, upon the extension of education and upon the fair 
and impartial administration of laws. 

457. Four Years of Development. In four years of Demo- 
cratic government the State had made remarkable strides. 
The government had been organized upon a substantial 
and economic basis, the schools were efficiently conducted, 
and the condition of the Penitentiary and of the Insane 
Asylum was improved. There was general improvement in 
agricultural pursuits. A Department of Agriculture had 
been created to inspect the phosphate industries of the 
State and "to regulate sales of commercial fertilizers. Atten- 
tion was given to public roads and many new highways 
were opened. New towns were incorporated and new in- 
dustries begun. An era of prosperity was dawning in South 
Carolina after the dark period of the war and Reconstruction . 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

REBUILDING THE STATE. 

458. School Development. Upon the resignation of 
Governor W. D. Simpson to take the office of Chief Justice 
of the State Supreme Court, Lieutenant Governor Thomas 
B. Jeter of Union succeeded to the gubernatorial chair for 
the unexpired term. In his message to the General Assem- 
bly, Governor Jeter spoke of the general betterment of 
conditions within the State. He stated that the credit of 
the State was improving, the railroads developing and that 
great strides were being made along educational lines. 

459. Hagood's Inauguration. In the summer of 1880, 
General Johnson Hagood, whom we remember as fighting 
bravely during the War Between the Sections, was elected 
governor of South Carolina. Governor Hagood had efficiently 
filled the office of comptroller-general and was in a position 
to speak authoritatively of the financial condition of the 
State. In his message to the General Assembly, he stated 
that the expenses of the government had been reduced to 
one-fourth of what they were under Republican rule. There 
were now no deficiencies and all obligations had been met. 
Many factories and railroads had been incorporated. 

At this time the royalty from the phosphate mines 
amounted to $121,541 a year, and this with a small general 
tax was sufficient to meet the expenses of the government. 
The Penitentiary, because of the new system of working the 
convicts, was not only self-sustaining, but had money in 
its treasury. Two large summer schools for the benefit of 
teachers had been established in the summer of 1880 — 
one for the whites and one for the negroes. 

460. General Development. We find a reminder now and 
then among the general prosperity of the tragedies of the 



344 



The History of South Carolina. 



war. In the session of the legislature of 1881 an act was 
passed to provide artificial limbs for all soldiers of the 
State who had lost legs or arms in military service in 1861-65. 
In 1881, the Penitentiary paid into the State treasury $40,000 
and the phosphate royalty amounted to $138,254. Con- 
victs from the Peniten- 
tiary had been leased 
to phosphate mines, 
railroads, and farms. 
Within the prison, some 
had been employed in 
making hosiery and 
others had been oc- 
cupied in digging the 
Columbia Canal. The 
condition of the Peni- 
tentiary contrasted 
favorably with condi- 
tions in 1868-1876. 

461. Agricultural and 
Industrial Develop- 
ment. The farmers of 
the State, recovering 
from the effects of the 
war, were producing larger crops. In 1880, 522,548 bales 
of cotton were raised in South Carohna against 353,412 
bales in 1860, an increase of 169,136 bales. 

In manufacturing, there was also marked increase in 
South Carolina between 1860 and 1880. In the latter year 
the amount of capital invested in manufactories had risen 
to $11,205,892 from $6,931,756 in 1860. 

The Department of Agriculture showed in 1882 a tre- 
mendous development in the phosphate industry. In 1870, 




Governor Hugh S. Thompson. 



The History of South Carolina. 



345 



1,987 tons had been mined; in 1876, 132,625 tons; in 1882, 
140,772; and the next year, 1883, there was an astounding 
increase to 355,333 tons. On every ton mined from pubUc lands 
and waters a royalty was paid to the State. During this period, 
the granite quarries of South Carolina were developed and 





Administration Building at Clemson College. 

also the fisheries of the State. There was also quite an 
increase of interest in mining. 

These statistics serve to show that South Carolinians 
were rapidly becoming alive to the possibilities of their 
native State. Before the war the one absorbing interest 
was cotton. Cotton still was the staple crop, but there 
was diversification of crops, and an encouraging interest 
displayed in manufactures. 

462. Governor Thompson's Administration. In the au- 
tumn of 1882, Hugh S. Thompson, former State Superin- 
tendent of Education, was elected governor, and inaugurated 



346 The History of South Carolina. 

in December, 1882. In Governor Thompson's inaugural 
address he urged that the tax system of the State be re- 
vised, as much property had never been returned, and that 
consequently the taxes were higher than they should be. 
In 1884, Governor Thompson was re-elected to the guberna- 
torial chair. 

463. Close of 1886. In July, 1886, Governor Thompson 
resigned, having been appointed Assistant Secretary of the 
Treasury of the United States. Lieutenant Governor John 
C. Sheppard of Edgefield succeeded to the office. 

In August, 1886, a terrible earthquake occurred, the center 
of which was near Charleston. Between sixty and eighty 
lives were lost. The property damage amounted to 
$6,000,000. The sympathy of the whole nation was aroused 
and help poured in from all sides. 

The close of the year 1886, marked ten years since the 
end of the Reconstruction period. A study of the events 
of these ten years show the remarkable strides made by the 
State in every direction. Governor Sheppard, during his 
administration, urged the establishment of an agricultural 
college for the purpose of correcting unprofitable methods 
of farming. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

DEVELOPMENT: POLITICAL AND AGRICULTURAL. 

464. The Farmers' Movement. In 1886, John Peter 
Richardson, son of the John Peter Richardson, who was 
governor of South Carohna from 1840-1842, was elected to 
the gubernatorial chair. In Governor Richardson's adminis- 
tration political and economic unrest throughout the State 
crystallized into a movement of far-reaching effects. 

During the decade 1870-1880, cotton had brought from 
16 to 18 cents a pound. South CaroHnians, who had never 
been trained to economy, began to feel pinched after this 
period of high-priced cotton, when the price of the staple 
dropped first to about 10 cents a pound, and then steadily 
decHned until it hardly paid the cost of production. There 
developed during this period of low-priced cotton discontent 
among the farmers. There had for some time been an agita- 
tion for an agricultural college and for a convention to form 
a new Constitution to take the place of the Radical Consti- 
tution of 1868. There was much talk of a farmers' move- 
ment and meetings were held at which there finally developed 
what was known as the ''Farmers' Movement." At the 
outset, this movement was not of a political character. 
Merchants, lawyers, and other professional men were in- 
terested as well as the farmers in the welfare of the chief 
industry of the State — agriculture. 

465. Governor Richardson's Administration. In May, 
1886, the first meeting of the Farmers' Association was held, 
the leading spirit of which was Captain Benjamin R. Tillman 
of Edgefield. The Association demanded a separate farmers' 
college. South Carohna College had been reopened in 1886 
as the South Carolina University, with a college of agriculture 
and mechanics as a division of it. 



348 



The History of South Carolina. 



In 1886, the Winthrop Training School for girls had been 
estabhshed by a private fund. The legislature gave one 
free scholarship to Winthrop from each county. This was 
the first money of the State appropriated for the higher 
education of women. 

In 1888, Governor Richardson was re-elected. Much 

talk occurred during the 
campaign of the mis- 
management of the State 
government, of extrava- 
gance and economy. The 
farmers of the State were 
rapidly arraying them- 
selves against the ad- 
ministration. During 
this year Thomas G. 
Clemson made a bequest 
to the State of some 
property, which included 
the old home of John C. 
Calhoun. The bequest 
was for the purpose of 
founding a farmers' col- 
lege for boys. The 
Clemson gift was ac- 
cepted and in 1889 an act was passed to establish an agri- 
cultural college on the property. 

In his first message to the General Assembly in 1890, 
Governor Richardson made a report of the condition of the 
schools of the State. There had been an increase since 
1886 of 288 schools, an increase of 17,294 in the enrollment, 
and 297 schoolhouses had been built. Many towns had 
erected costly school buildings. Clemson, the new agri- 
cultural college, named after Thomas G. Clemson, was in 




John Peter Richardson, Governor of 
South Carolina. 



The History of South Carolina. 349 

process of construction. Governor Richardson urged some 
better provision for the education of the women of the State, 
and suggested that Winthrop Training School be taken over 
by the State and enlarged for that purpose. In 1889, Con- 
verse College was established at Spartanburg, for the higher 
education of women, by D. E. Converse, a wealthy cotton 
manufacturer. 

466. Tillman Becomes Governor. In 1890, Richardson 
was succeeded as governor by Captain Benjamin R. Tillman, 
the leading spirit of the 'Tarmers' Movement." In his 
inaugural address, Governor Tillman declared that he came 
as a reformer. He urged the calhng of a Constitutional 
Convention and recommended the removal of the college 
of agriculture and mechanics of the South Carolina Uni- 
versity to Clemson. Governor Tillman strongly urged the 
establishment of an industrial college for women. 

In his message. Governor Tillman stated the need for a 
reform of the taxing system, and declared that the phosphate 
lands, which were of great value, were returned only as 
agricultural lands. Governor Tillman urged that a survey 
be made of the phosphate territory with a view to imposing 
the proper assessment. 

The legislature passed an act creating a Phosphate Com- 
mission, and an act to reorganize the State University, 
taking away from it the agricultural and mechanical college 
and giving it to Clemson College. A commission was ap- 
pointed to inquire into the establishment of an industrial 
school for women. 

467. Establishment of the Dispensary. Among other 
sources of unrest, at this time in South CaroHna, was the 
liquor question. At this period there were between seven 
and eight hundred barrooms in the State. These barrooms 
were paying licenses to the towns. There was a large pro- 
hibition party within the State who demanded a prohibition 



350 



The History of South Carolina. 



law. In 1892, an election was held to ascertain the senti- 
ment of the people on the question of prohibition. A ma- 
jority of voters favored it, but it was found that so many 
had not voted that this majority was really a minority of 
the white vote of the State. When the legislature met in 

December 1892, Gov- 
ernor Tillman said that 
instead of passing a 
prohibition law the 
legislature might better 
carry out the will of the 
people by estabUshing 
a State Dispensary to 
control the liquor traf- 
fic. All of the legal 
whiskey traffic would 
then be turned into one 
channel. At Columbia, 
he proposed to locate 
the central distributing 
depot. Dispensaries 
were to be established 
in the counties, which 
would be supplied by 
the central Dispensary. 
Governor Tillman recommended this as the best plan of 
controlling the sale of liquor. His suggestion was adopted 
by the General Assembly, and the Dispensary established. 
Through the insistence of State Senator W. D. Evans, 
Marlboro County, which had had prohibition for over 
thirty years, was exempted from the operation of the law. 
468. Clemson Opened— Winthrop Established The work 
of construction being sufficiently completed, Clemson College 




Benjamin R. Tillman, Governor of 
South Carolina and United States Sen- 
ator. 



The History of South Carolina. 351 

was opened in July, 1892, with over 400 boys in attendance. 
The legislative commission, having reported favorably upon 
the industrial college for women, the South Carolina In- 
dustrial and Winthrop Normal College was located at Rock 
Hill, under the terms of an act passed by the General As- 
sembly. 

469. The "Darlington War." The law which provided for 
the establishment of the State Dispensary made provision 
for the appointment of a force of constables. The duty of 
this force was to detect any illegal sale of liquor. The con- 
stables were armed and the act gave them the power of 
searching without warrant private houses where liquors 
were suspected of being concealed for unlawful purposes. 
There was great opposition in the State to this feature of 
the law, which resulted in violence in different portions of 
the State. The most serious trouble resulting from the 
search warrant law occurred in Darlington in March, 1894. 
Two citizens were killed and two wounded. The search 
without warrant feature of the dispensary law was finally 
modified. 

470. The Storm of 1893. In August, 1893, a storm raged 
over the whole State, inflicting immense damage. The most 
damage was done on the coast. A thousand lives were lost. 
The crops were ruined and houses blown down. Governor 
Tillman recommended to the legislature that aid be given 
the devastated region. 

471. General Business Depression. In 1894, John Gary 
Evans was elected governor of South Carolina to succeed 
Governor Tillman, who was elected to the United States 
Senate. The price of cotton was low, and this always meant 
the depression of business. Also the period of political 
unrest was not over. There was a growing demand for a 
Constitutional Convention. There were protests throughout 
the State against the system of hiring out convicts to private 
individuals and corporations. Governor Evans urged that 



352 The History of South Carolina. 

the convicts be put to work upon the pubUc roads of the 
State. 

472. Constitution of 1895. The legislature, in the session 
of 1894, called for an election of delegates to form a Con- 
stitutional Convention. The election was held and the 
convention met in Columbia in September, 1895. There 
were reforms needed in many directions, but the first object 
of the convention was to redraft the election laws so as to 
give the white people protection against an overwhelming, 
but illiterate, negro majority. The convention opened, 
committees were appointed, and a Constitution framed. 
The last Constitution, the one of 1868, had been the work 
chiefly of aliens and negroes without character. The 
Constitution framed in 1895 is the one under which we 
live today. 

473. Ellerbe's Administration. In 1896, W. H. Ellerbe, 
the great-great-grandson of Captain Thomas Ellerbe, who 
served with Marion's brigade in the Revolution, was elected 
governor of South Carolina. At this time the State was still 
in its slough of business depression. The low price of cotton 
caused a great inactivity in mercantile and industrial lines. 
Taxes were a burden. In his message to the General Assem- 
bly in 1898, Governor Ellerbe called upon the law-makers 
to practice the strictest economy. 

The problem of the sale of liquor still remained unsolved 
and this was a constant source of irritation and trouble to 
the people of the State. The State Dispensary law was 
continually being violated by the illicit sale of liquor. The 
sentiment of the people in favor of the Dispensary system 
was not strong enough to admit the enforcement of its law. 

474. The Spanish-American War. South Carolina was 
aroused from her depression by affairs of national interest. 
The island of Cuba, under the dominion of Spain, had for 
many years been in a state of revolt against the mother 



The History of South Carolina. 353 

country. There were large American interests in the island, 
which of course were suffering great injury from the unset- 
tled affairs. Cuba was in a distressing condition. The farms 
had been destroyed and the people were on the verge of star- 
vation. The tyranny and cruelty of the Spaniards toward the 
Cubans aroused the indignation of Americans. Spain was 
not able to subdue the island and force its population to 
loyalty, and neither would she rehnquish control. In Febru- 
ary, 1898, the president of the United States sent the battle- 
ship Maine to Cuban waters to protect our interests. On the 
night of February 15th, the Maine was blown up in Havana 
harbor and 226 of her crew perished. The people of the 
United States were roused to a fever heat of wrath. On 
the 25th of April war against Spain was declared. The 
president issued a call for 125,000 volunteers. South Caro- 
lina responded to the call and gave her full quota. The de- 
mand upon her was for one regiment of infantry, one battalion 
of infantry, and one battery of heavy artillery. 

475. South Carolina in the War. Upon the call for volun- 
teers, the Darlington Guards, the Sumter Light Infantry, 
the Edisto Rifles, and the Manning Guards formed what 
was known as the Independent Battalion, with Lieutenant 
Colonel Henry T. Thompson in command. This was the 
first organization in the State to be mustered into service 
for war with Spain. A heavy battery was formed and sent 
to Sulhvan's Island. The First Regiment, South Carohna 
Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Joseph K. Alston of 
Columbia, was organized and sent to a camp in Tennessee 
and then to Florida. The Second South Carolina regiment 
was organized under Colonel Wilie Jones of Columbia. 
Colonel Alston died before the war ended and was succeeded 
in command of the First Regiment by Lieutenant Colonel 
James H. Tillman. 



354 



The History of South Carolina. 



476. War Ends Quickly. The only South Carohna or- 
ganization which reached Cuba was the Second S. C. V. I., 
under Colonel Wilie Jones, which was sent first to Savannah 
and from thence to Cuba on the transport Roumanian. As 
this regiment marched through the streets of Havana it 

was cheered by the 
Cubans, who waved 
United States and 
Cuban flags. The South 
Carolina troops en- 
camped about five 
miles from Havana and 
participated in no en- 
gagements. Colonel 
Jones, through his care- 
ful attention to camp 
sanitation and his 
kindly consideration of 
his men, lost only three 
of his force by sickness, 
though the death rate 
from illness was very 
high in many com- 
mands. 

The war was short and consisted of several engagements 
in Cuba, the sinking of the small Spanish fleet off Santiago, 
and the important naval battle of Manila Bay, in the Philip- 
pine Islands, where the natives were trying to throw off 
the heavy yoke of Spain. The war ^ ended in success for 
American arms. 

Among those South Carolinians who saw service was 
Lieutenant Victor Blue of the navy, who distinguished 
himself by a brilliant reconnaisance at Santiago. 




Governor Miles B. INfcSweeney. 



The History of South Carolina. 355 

477. Revival of Prosperity. Almost immediately after the 
war with Spain, the price of cotton began to rise and a 
revival of industry was begun in South Carolina. Governor 
EUerbe died in office in 1899, and Miles B. McSweeney 
of Hampton, lieutenant governor, became governor of the 
State. Governor McSweeney, in his message to the General 
Assembly, told of the great activity in railroad building, 
237 miles having just been completed in the State. There 
was also a marked activity in the cotton seed oil and lumber 
industries. At this time, South Carolina was leading all 
the Southern States in cotton manufacturing and stood 
second only to Massachusetts in its number of spindles. 
In 1899, eleven new cotton mills were organized and sixteen 
old mills enlarged. 

In 1900, Governor McSweeney was elected to succeed 
himself. 

With proper reverence for her great men. South Carolina, 
with the return of prosperity, 'began to talk of appropriating 
a sum to mark the position of South Carohna troops at the 
battle of Chickamauga. The legislature of 1901 appro- 
priated $10,000 for this purpose. The monument erected 
to those who died at Chickamauga was made of South 
Carohna granite, and placed upon the spot which was held 
by the men of Kershaw's Brigade. 

478. Development of the Staple Crop. Cotton has for a 
long time been the staple crop of South Carohna. Before 
and during the Revolution, the cultivation of cotton was so 
popular that even though the lint had to be separated from 
the seed by hand, the families of planters and their slaves 
were clothed in homespuns made in the State. Before the 
invention of the cotton gin, a large number of the big plan- 
tations had their private manufactories. The invention of 
the cotton gin in 1792 gave a wonderful impetus to the cotton 
industry. Soon after, cotton planting became the leading in- 



356 The History of South Carolina. 

dustry in nearly every county in the State. In 1801, the 
General Assembly appropriated $50,000 for the purchase of 
the patent rights for the Whitney gin. From this time the 
chief interest of South Carolina lay in the cultivation of 
cotton. 

In 1880, the crop amounted to 522,548 bales. In 1902, 
it rose to 962,017 bales. These statistics serve to show 
the tremendous advance in what is still the chief crop of 
the State. The value of the 1915 crop was estimated at 
$81,960,000. 

479. Diversification of Crops. Next to cotton, corn has for 
a long time been the staple crop of South Carolina. When 
the first colony settled on the Ashley in 1670, they tried to 
raise European grains, but with little success, and soon they 
resorted to the cultivation of Indian corn. Each year corn 
was planted more extensively, until in 1880 we find a yield 
of 11,767,099 bushels. This increased in 1900 to 17,429,610 
bushels and in 1916 rose to 32,008,000 bushels. Although 
cotton has remained the chief crop each year, there has 
been greater diversification in planting. We find a great 
increase in the wheat crop. In 1880, the yield was 962,35S 
bushels, while in 1916 it was 2,226,000 bushels. 

480. Rice Planting. It will be recollected that rice was 
almost the first staple crop of South Carolina. It con- 
tinued to be one of the chief crops of the State until the time 
of the War Between the Sections, when Louisiana and Texas 
began the cultivation of this cereal on a large scale and at 
a much less cost of production. This competition injured 
the industry in this State to such an extent that it never 
recovered and has practically been suspended. 

481. Trucking Industry. At first the trucking industry 
was confined practically to the counties of Charleston, Colle- 
ton, Beaufort, Horry, and Berkeley. When it is known that 
in 1907 the acreage in the Charleston section alone was 



The History of South Carolina. 357 

estimated at 24,200 it will be realized what a remarkable 
business has developed. Truck growing for market began 
in 1868, on Yonge's Island. Cabbages and Irish potatoes 
were first tried and gradually other vegetables. In 1899, a 
colony of people from the Middle West settled in Horry 
County and began trucking. Today the growing of straw- 
berries, Irish potatoes, and other truck has developed into 
a splendid industry there. 

482. Tea and Tobacco. The Pinehurst tea garden at 
Summerville, South Carolina, is the only producing com- 
mercial tea garden in America. Over a hundred years ago 
tea plants were introduced into America and were planted 
at Middleton Place, on the Ashley River near Charleston. 
The planting is credited to the French botanist Michaux. 
At various times the United States made attempts at the 
cultivation of the tea plant. In 1887, the Pinehurst tea 
garden was started by Dr. Charles U. Shepard. 

Tobacco was here when South Carolina was discovered 
by Europeans, and has nearly always been an important 
industry of the State. This has been especially true in recent 
years, as newspaper enterprise gave the industry a new 
impetus early in the nineties. The principal tobacco growing 
counties today are Florence, Dillon, DarHngton, Marion, 
Williamsburg, Sumter, Horry, and Clarendon. Each of 
these counties sells yearly tobacco by the milhon pounds. 

483. Horticulture in South Carolina. From mountains to 
seaboard, South Carolina is well adapted for fruit growing. 
The Sand Hill belt produces dehghtful peaches, and the 
Piedmont belt fruits of all kinds. In the Coastal Region, 
oranges are brought to perfection. The wild grapes which 
excited the admiration of the first French colonists, under 
Ribault in 1562, still abound. It is said that the first olives 
in America were grown in South Carolina, and that at the 
time of the Revolution there was a ten-acre olive grove on 



358 The History of South Carolina. 

the south shore of the Port Royal entrance. In Beaufort 
today are found oUve and camphor trees and oranges are 
raised for market on the islands. There are beautiful pecan 
groves in several counties. 

484. Exposition Displays Resources of State. In 1901, 
with the opening of the new century, the South Carolina 
and West Indian Exposition was held in Charleston. This 
exposition served as an illustration to the people of the 
State of its wonderful resources and remarkable development 
since the War Between the Sections. The exposition was a 
concrete presentment of what South Carolina had done, and 
what she was at that time. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

DEVELOPMENT: SOCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL. 

485. Heyward's Administration. In 1902, Duncan Clinch 
Heyward of Colleton was elected governor of South Caro- 
lina, which office he held for two terms. Governor Heyward 
in his message to the General Assembly in 1904 pointed out 
that South Carolina was going forward along all lines — 
agricultural and commercial and industrial. Governor Hey- 
ward directed attention to the dechne in the phosphate 
industry. The State royalty in 1893 had been $249,338.02, 
but in 1903 it had fallen to $15,815.22, as the phosphate 
could be mined more profitably in Florida. 

The State Dispensary system at this time was a source of 
great dissatisfaction. There were grave charges of mis- 
management. Confidence in the system began to wane. 
This was due largely to abuses connected with its operation. 
The enforcement of prohibition in the various counties 
which had voted out whiskey presented a serious problem. 

486. Development of Cotton Manufacturing. The cotton 
manufacturing industry continued to grow almost like magic. 
In 1860, the products of the cotton mills of the State were of 
comparatively little value. A large proportion of the total 
value of the manufactured products of South Carolina in 
1905 came from the cotton mills. 

There were cotton mills in the State owned by private 
individuals as early as 1790. Until the close of the War 
Between the Sections the cotton mills were operated largely 
by slave labor. The War and Reconstruction, of course, 
retarded the industry, but it soon recuperated and in 1880 
there were 18 cotton mills in the State with 95,938 spindles. 

In 1909, the numl^er of cotton mills in the State had reached 
147. The value of the manufactured products amounted to 



360 



The History of South Carolina. 



$65,930,000. The cotton mill industry is by far the most 
important manufacturing industry in the State. A great 
variety of cotton goods are produced in these mills. 

487. Manufactories in General. After cotton manufac- 
tures, lumber and timber products and planing mill pro- 
ducts rank highest in 
the State's manufac- 
turing industries. Next 
comes fertilizer manu- 
facturing, then the cot- 
ton seed oil industry, 
which has made great 
strides. In the State 
are hosiery mills, press 
cloth works, bleachery 
and dyeing works, and 
many other special 
manufactories. 

Mill life is an en- 
tirely new phase of 
hfe in South Caro- 
lina, as until after the 
War Between the 
Sections the State 
was strictly an agricultural district. 

488. Governor AnseFs Administration. Martin F. Ansel 
of Greenville succeeded Heyward in the gubernatorial chair 
in 1907. The Audubon Society for the protection of birds 
was chartered by the General Assembly in 1907. In 1908, the 
General Assembly provided for an old soldiers' home to care 
for Confederate veterans. It was established at Columbia. 

489. Dispensary System Uprooted. After long dissatis- 
faction in regard to the State Dispensary system and the 
prosecution in the courts of some of its officials, it was 
changed to a local option Dispensary system, under which 




Governor Duncan C. Heyward 



The History of South Carolina. 



3G1 



the citizens in each county were privileged to decide by vote 
whether or not they desired a County Dispensary. In 1909, 
there were 21 counties with Dispensaries and 21 in which the 
sale of Hquor was forbidden. In 1909, elections were held 
in the 21 Dispensary counties and 15 of the 21 voted out 
the Dispensary. 

In 1914, the qualified electors of the State voted for 

State-wide prohibi- 
tion. In 1916, the law 
went into effect pro- 
hibiting the receipt of 
more than one gallon 
of whiskey a month 
by the same person. 
The General Assembly 
of 1917 still further 
restricted the shipment 
of liquor into the State 
by passing a law to the 
effect that not more 
than one quart of liquor 
could be shipped to 
one person in a month, 
and then only for 
certain specified pur- 
poses. Prohibition has 
played a large part in politics in South Carolina in recent 
years. 

490. Penal Development. In 1900, a reformatory for 
youthful male criminals was established in connection with 
the State Penitentiary. In 1906, the South Carolina In- 
dustrial School at Florence, a State reformatory for white 
boys, was founded. It is not connected with the Peniten- 
tiary. The negro boys convicted of crime were left at the 




Governor Martin F. Ansel. 



362 The History of South Carolina. 

reformatory first established, and under the control of the 
Board of Directors of the Penitentiary. The chaingang 
system, under which convicts are worked on public roads 
under the control of the counties or municipalities, had its 
beginning in 1885. The system, however, has been greatly 
expanded since then, notably by an act of 1911, providing 
that counties might work all persons convicted of crime in 
their courts on the chaingangs. 

491. Commerce. South CaroHna is steadily and rapidly 
developing her facilities for commerce. This State, it will 
be remembered, was the first in the United States to operate 
a railroad by steam power. In 1833, there were 136 miles of 
railroads in the State. At the time of the War Between the 
Sections there were nearly a thousand miles in operation. 
In 1907, the official mileage reached a total of 3,207.71 miles. 
There is now scarcely a section of South Carolina which is 
without railroad facilities. The advent of the electric railway 
is of importance. About 1870, street cars drawn by horses 
were introduced into Charleston. The electric street railway, 
the beginning of which was about 1896, was a development 
of the old horse car railway. Beginning with street railway 
cars in 1896 interurban electric lines were constructed. At 
the present time there are electric lines running from Augusta 
to Aiken, Anderson to Belton, Greenville to Spartanburg, 
and Greenville to Greenwood. 

The coastwise shipping service is worthy of mention. A 
steamship company maintains a regular freight and passenger 
service between Charleston and New York, also a freight 
service between Georgetown and New York. Charleston 
is growing in importance as a port, having greatly improved 
its harbor and developed coaling facilities. 

It is regrettable that the ports of South Carolina have as 
yet no regular Trans-Atlantic service. Charleston has a 
superb harbor, also Port Royal, and there is no reason why 



The History of South Carolina. 



363 



the State should not have the advantage of direct trade with 
European and South American countries. 

492. Governor Blease's Administration. In the summer of 
1910, Coleman L. Blease of Newberry was elected governor of 
South Carolina to succeed Governor Ansel. Governor Blease 
in his message to the General Assembly pointed out that 

water power develop- 
ments were progressing, 
new electric interurban 
lines were in process 
of construction, many 
modern steel frame 
buildings were being 
erected, there was pro- 
gress in agriculture, 
the mills, and in all 
lines. In 1911, electro- 
cution was substituted 
for hanging. In 1912, 
Governor Blease was 
re-elected. In 1913, 
the hosiery mill at the 
Penitentiary was abol- 
ished by act of the 
General Assembly, be- 
cause of the extreme danger of contracting tuberculosis 
within its walls. This step was recommended both by 
Governor Blease and the State Board of Health. The 
governor recommended more money for free school develop- 
ment and urged the building of the State tuberculosis 
hospital, which has been erected near Columbia. In January, 
1915, Governor Blease resigned and Lieutenant Governor 
Charles A. Smith of Florence County became governor. 




Governor Coleman L. Blease. 



I 



364 



The History of South Carolina. 



Governor Smith held office for only five days, when the 
office was assumed by Richard I. Manning of Sumter, who 
had been elected governor in 1914. 

493. Governor Man- 
ning's Administration. 
During Governor Man- 
ning's administration, 
and under his leader- 
ship, the management 
of the State Hospital 
for the Insane was re- 
organized and notable 
improvements made in 
the hospital plant. The 
State Tax Commission 
was created and given 
power to equalize the 
tax system. The State 
Board of Charities and 
Corrections was estab- 
lished. This Board has 
visitorial and advisory 
powers over penal and charitable institutions in South 
Carolina. The State Tuberculosis Hospital was opened 
under the direction of the State Board of Health. Governor 
Manning was re-elected governor in 1916. His adminis- 
tration has been marked by reforms and progress along 
many social lines. 

In the summer of 1916, the two regimants and the troop of 
cavalry of the National Guard of South Carolina were among 
the troops sent to guard the Mexican border against bandit 
raids. After being on duty near El Paso, Texas, for several 
months, these troops were withdrawn as conditions in 
Mexico were more settled. 




Governor Charles A. Smith. 



The History of South Carolina. 



365 



494. The Great War. The State is now, in 1917, confronted 
with another crisis — the World War. Each period in the 
history of South Carohna has produced its great men. No 
doubt new heroes will arise. ''Hitherto, South Carohna 

has always been strong 
in her strong men! It 
is with a mournful pride 
that we refer to the 
great names, in recent 
periods, which she has 
possessed and lost" . . 
. . . "names of men 
equal to all the exigen- 
cies of a people, and 
capable of conferring 
fame upon any annals. 
They are gone! And 
South Carolina stands 
upon the threshold of 
a new era, and, we trust 
in God, a yet superior 
progress! Let us hope 
that each season shall produce its proper men. May that 
Providence that has great states and cities in its keeping 
crown her with increase, and raise her to heights, in the 
future, commensurate with the noble elevations of the past; 
to all virtuous achievements; to all grandeur, consistent 
with what is good, and noble, and pure, and true, and 
wise and honorable!" 




Governor Richard I. Manning. 



366 



Index. 



INDEX 



Albemarle, Duke of, 24. 
Albert, Captain, 19, 21. 
Allston, Gov. R. F. W., 257. 
Anderson, Gen. R. H., 265. 
Appomattox, 306. 
Archdale, John, 46. 
Articles of association, 119. 
Ashley, Lord, 24, 29. 
Attakullakulla, 72, 87, 91. 

"Back Country", 71, 107, 110. 
Barnwell, Col. John, 54, 67. 
Beauregard, General, 266. 
Bee, Gen. Barnard E., 270. 
Berkeley, Lord, 24. 
Berkley, Sir Wm.. 24. 
Blake, Gov. Joseph, 54. 
Board of Trade, 56, 92. 
Bonham, Gen. M. L., 367. 
Bonnett, Steed, 59. 
Boone, Gov. Thos., 92. 
Bratton, Colonel, 159. 
Breach Inlet, 130, 154. 
Broughton, Thos., 52, 80. 
Bull, Gen. Stephen, 144. 
Bull, AVm., 80, 87, 110. 
Bullman, Rev. John, 114. 
Butler, Gen. M. C, 280. 

Calhoun, John C, 223, 253. 

Calhoun, Patrick, 89. 

Campbell, Lord, 116, 131. 

Cape Lucerne, 19. 

Capers, Ellison, 277. 

Cardross. Lord, 39, 43. 

"Carpet Baggers", 314. 

Carteret, Sir John, 24. 

Cassiques, 25. 

Chambersburg raid, 280. 

Charleston harbor, 286, 362. 

Charles Town: founded, 26; moved, 29; 
growth, 35, 94; hurricane, 47, 82; French 
attack, 50; fire, 81; life in, 94, 99; "tea 
party", 114; taken bv British, 163; evac- 
uated bv British, 200. 

Cheraws, 110. 

Cherokees, 71, 85-91. 

Cheves, Langdon, 223. 

Churubusco, 247. 

Circular Letter, 109. 

Clarendon. Earl of, 24, 44. 

Clemson, Thos. G., 348. 

Clinton, Sir Henry, 129, 150. 

Colleges, 3.38-339. 

Colleton, James, 43. 

Columbia, 87, 205, 302. ' 

Commons House, 67, 123. 

Confederacy, 262-306. 

Cornwallis, Lord, 151, 171. 



Cotton Growing, 212, 355. 

Council, 67. 

Courts, 110. 

Craven, Gov. Charles, 54, 57. 

Craven, Earl of, 24. 

Cuningham, Robt., 174. 



Daniel, Colonel, 48, 57. 
"Darlington War", 351. 
Davis, Jefferson, 262. 
Declaration of Independence, 134. 
deGraffenreid, Baron, 53. 
DeKalb, Baron, 155, 164. 
Dispensary, State, 349, 360. 
Dissenters, S3. 
Dog Days, Raid of, 185. 
Drayton, Wm. Henry, 97, 126. 

Electrocution, 363. 
Episcopal churches, 93. 
Eutaw Springs, 190. 
Evans, Gen. N. G., 270. 
E.xposition, Charleston, 358. 

"Farmers' Movement", 347. 

Florida expeditions, 43, 135. 

Fort: Balfour, 178; Caroline, 23; Charles, 
19, 23; Charlotte, 119; Johnson, 123; 
Loudoun, 85, 121; Moultrie, 147; Prince 
George, 85; on Sullivan's Island, 125, 
134; Sumter, 266, 288; Watson, 177, 180. 

"Free States", 252. 

Friendly Society, 99. 

Fundamental Constitutions: Adopted, 24; 
modified, 38; proclaimed, 31; suspended, 
27 ; trouble over, 33. 



Gadsden, Christopher, 87, 168. 
Gates, General, 155, 173. 
Gettysburg, 283. 
Gibbes. Robert, 52, 54. 
Glen, James, 81. 
Godfrey, Col. John, 31. 
Granby, 176, 182. 
Greene, General, 173, 190. 
Gregg, Gen. Maxcy, 265. 

Haddrell's Point, 125. 
Hagood, Gen. Johnson, 270. 
Hamburg riot, 327. 
Hamnjond, Col. Leroy, 183. 
Hampton, Col. Wade, 185, 192. 
Hampton, Gen. Wade, 270, 330. 
Harden, Wm., 178, 189. 
Havne, Isaac, 185, 189. 
Havne, Robt. Y., 232. 
Heath, Sir Robt., 24. 



Index. 



367 



Hevward, Thos., Jr., 134. 
High Hills of Santee, 163. 
Horse stealing, 101, 107. 
Howe, Gen. Robt., 140. 
Huguenot churches, 93. 
Huguenots, 17, 44. 

Indian trade, 35, 71-72. 
Indian tribes, 26. 
Irish colony, 84. 

Jacksonborough Assembly, 194. 
Jails, 110. 

Jasper, Sergeant, 132, 146. 
Jenkins, Gen. Micah, 270. 
Johnson, Gov. Robt., 58, 80. 

Kershaw, Gen. J. B., 270. 
Ku-Klux Klan, 320-323. 
Kussoe Indians, 28. 
Kyrle, Sir Richard, 39. 



La Ghere. 21, 23. | 

Landgraves, 25. 

Laurens, Henry, 97, 138. 

Laurens, John, 97, 197. 

Lee, Gen. Charles, 129, 135. 

Lee, Gen. Robt. E., 285. 

Le Feboure, 50, 137. 

Lil)ei-ty Party, 107. 

Lincoln, General, 145. 

Lords Proprietors: Created, 24; discontent 
with, 45; Indian lands, 34; messenger 
to, 61; niggardliness of, 34; overthrown, 
60-65; relations with, 60; rents, 40; 
repeal laws, 61; sell shares to King, 64. 

Lotteries, 217. 

Lowndes, Rawlins. 137, 143. 

Lowndes, Wm., 223. 

Ludwell, Colonel, 44. 

Lunatics, 99. 

Lutheran churches, 93. 

Lynch, Thos., 105, 134. 

Lyttelton, Governor, 86. 

"Maham Tower", 180. 

Manassas, 271. 

Manufactures, 215, 344. 3.59. 

Marion, Gen. Francis, 87, 176. 

Mathews, John. 150, 197. 

Middleton, Arthur, 68, 134* 

Middleton, Henry, 115. 

Militia system, 'M. 

Missouri compromise, 231. 

Montagu, Lord, 106, 111. 

Moore, Col. .Tames, 54. 

IMorgan, Henry, 40. 

Morton, Gov. Joseph, 37, 41. 

Motte's, post at, 181. 

Moultrie, Gen. Wm., 87, 118, 143. 

Newspapers, 97, 99. 
Nicholson, General, 67. 



Ninety Six, 89, 183. 
Non-importation, 110. 
Nullification Ordinance, 234. 



Oglethrope, James Edward, 79. 
Orange Quarter, 45. 
O' Sullivan riot, 29. 
Oj'Ster Point, 28. 

Palmetto regiment, 243-251. 
Parker, Sir Peter, 129.. 
Partisan militia, 154. 
Petersburg, 293. 
Phosphate royalty, 344. 
Pickens, Gen. Andrew, 1-50, 183." 
Pinckney, Charles, 208. 
Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth, 116. 
Pinckney, Thomas, 205. 
Pirates, "40, 47, 58. 
Presbyterian chm'ches, 93. 
Prevost, General, 140, 144. 
Primogeniture, 97, 214. 
Prison ships, 167, 189. 
Provincial Congress, 115, 126. 
Pulaski, Count, 140. 

Quarv, Gov. Robt., 40. 
Quenbv Bridge, 186. 
Quit rents, 60, 74. 

Railwav, first, 236. 
Randolph, Edward, 46, 102. 
Rawdon, Lord. 151, 183. 
Rawdontown, 181. 
Reconstruction, .309-332. 
Regulators, The, 101, 107. 
Revolutionarv War, 129-200. 
Rhett, Col. Wm., 51, 59. 
Ribault, Jean, 17, 23. 
Rice Growing, 212, 3-56. 
Rutledge, John, 105, 143, 210. 
Rutledge, Edward, 168. 

Santee Canal, 214. 

Sayle, Gov. Wm., 25, 75. 

Schools, free, 218, 238. 

School s.ystem, 340. 

Secession Ordinance, 259. 

Secessionville, 277. 

Sherman's march, 301-305. 

Slaves, Indian, 36, 51. 

Slaves, negro: Abolitionists, 236; and 
State's Rights, 231; brought to province, 
26, 75; Christianizing, 75, 79; code for, 
79; duties on, 76; exchanged for Indians, 
36; number of, 51; status of, 75, 2.39-240, 
255-256; trade regulated, 67; uprising 
of, 76. 

"Slave States", 2.52. 

Smith, Gov. Thos., 44. 

"Snow Camp", 125. 1.54. 

Spanish-American War, 352. 

St. Augustine, .30, 48, 168. 

Stamp Act, 104, 106. 



Index. 



state flag-, 123. 

State President, 126. 

State Senate, 136. 

States' Rights, 229-236. 

Stono Indians, 27. 

Sumter, Gen. Thos., 154, 173 176 

Swiss settlers, 53, 74. 

Tarleton, Colonel, 151, 172. 
Tempoi-ary Laws, 27. 
Tennent, Rev. Wm., 120 
Theatres, 95. 

Thomson, Col. Wm., 118 130 
Tories, 157, 175. 
Trade restrictions, 102. 
Tuscarora Indians, 53 
Tynte, Gov. Edward, 52. 

Up-Country, people, of, 84. 

Vaccination, 218. 



War Between the Sections, 265-306 

War of 1812, 220-228. 

^^^J with: Appalachians, 49; Cherokees, 
85-91, 133, 155; Great Britain, 129-->00 
220-228; Mexico, 243-251; Seminoles, 238- 
Spam 352-354; Spaniards, 48; Tuscaroras' 
53; United States, 365-306; Yemassees, 
54-5/. 

Washington, Col. Wm., 174, 181 
Washington, Gen. George, 118, 211 
West, Gov. Joseph, 25, 37, 39 
West Indians, 25, 27. 
Williamson, Gen. Andrew, 150 
World War, 265. 
Worley, Richard, 59. 



Yeamans, Sir John, 25, 28 
Yellow fever, 50, 69. 
Yemassee Indians, 54-57, 68. 
Yonge, Francis, 97. 
Yorktown, surrender at, 194. 



